tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82509077548079106282024-02-19T08:42:27.721-08:00line drawingssarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-13899640067794046782012-05-11T11:44:00.003-07:002012-05-23T16:00:28.594-07:00A pregnant vegan<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
<a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/pregnant-and-vegan.html">Pregnant and Vegan</a>
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj000GFKy0RexR1vjyv3VBVcB1FqMg_syPPvI8BNEqGVMPYawZJsOEggGyHUq8V23vojZ8ImUFQxcj8_YvXYHzWaGa3sDTfgw4eJO01WA-JU8PbDGYLKxET2SOmtQWgE-L5PtwRpOJ8m-w/s1600/IMG_4389.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj000GFKy0RexR1vjyv3VBVcB1FqMg_syPPvI8BNEqGVMPYawZJsOEggGyHUq8V23vojZ8ImUFQxcj8_YvXYHzWaGa3sDTfgw4eJO01WA-JU8PbDGYLKxET2SOmtQWgE-L5PtwRpOJ8m-w/s400/IMG_4389.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my extremely healthy, usually happy baby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the time I got pregnant I had been a
vegan for five years. Everyone knew me as vegan and the questions of
“why” and
“what do you eat” had long since past. So when I got pregnant a year ago
I was
surprised at the constant question, “Are you going to have a vegan
pregnancy?” The question startled me every time because I hadn’t thought
about it any
other way. In fact I believed (and still do) that the vegan diet was the
healthier choice for my fetus. Most questions were just curious, some
cautious, but a few down
right caustic. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you know what you’re doing to your unborn child?” Their eyes
would say. “How can you be so selfish?” And, “what kind of mother are you going
to be?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Was I being selfish? Or perhaps just naive and clueless? I spent a lot
of early prenatal appointments talking to my doctor about this, making
sure I hadn't just been reading one-sided literature that would severely
harm my child.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
My wonderfully open-minded doctor helped me regain my confidence and
with a little extra attention on my diet I birthed an extremely healthy,
usually happy baby. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
This is what I did:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A50zLP5VZNHptmtMsAjhtzFZ9Rk4sxrAMiLyhEfQxxLW23qpQiql0CYK6FmzY-RFljoH86D__sDu9HWEleMbr1JOeTE3j98XlGDU_koEwMmitKr_H43EMu6kXlzos1eyPSVs66n9CXk/s1600/IMG_6125.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6A50zLP5VZNHptmtMsAjhtzFZ9Rk4sxrAMiLyhEfQxxLW23qpQiql0CYK6FmzY-RFljoH86D__sDu9HWEleMbr1JOeTE3j98XlGDU_koEwMmitKr_H43EMu6kXlzos1eyPSVs66n9CXk/s400/IMG_6125.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry Vanilla Protein Shake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1. Protein: </b>A pregnant woman needs 75 grams of protein a day!
That is a lot. In order to start off right I made sure to eat at least
30 grams for my morning meal. I did this through soy protein shakes I
would make in bulk for the entire week, protein bars (I fell in love
with<a href="http://www.larabar.com/"> <b>Larabars</b></a><b> </b>and started making my own version), and lots and lots of tofu and beans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>2. Calcium</b>: I made sure to buy calcium-fortified soy milk and
orange juice, ate calcium chews (until I got so sick of them I had to
hide the bag), and ate a lot of dark leafy greens. Did you know 3/4 cup
collard greens as more calcium than 1 cup cows milk?</div>
<br />
<b>3. Supplements</b>: Taking supplements was a new practice, but a very
important one. I took (and still take for breast feeding) Rainbow Light
Prenatal One, a fantastic vegetarian prenatal that only needs to be
taken once a day, B12 (very important pregnant moms!), and Iron. I can
proudly say my iron levels stayed great throughout my whole pregnancy).<br />
<br />
<b>4. Read</b>. I spent a lot of time on websites and in the backs of
cookbooks determining my nutritional needs and planning out how to
fulfill them.There are many great resources for vegans during pregnancy.
<u>The Vegan Survival Guide</u> by Sayward Rebhal, one of the first
books dedicated solely for pregnant vegans, is a great resource I came
across after giving birth. I found it important to stay well informed
both for myself and my concerned friends and family. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeTHDxdXhXf41qBITZeBI74IrlkUTqW-Qurhs2J9ECGJJjlkRlyfOcGHSe6FN4YFFZAvaPJFsGg2R5YvrTL9DJGRDqN5mxmYrHYLxRf1tCXqqJ7DE5y9T08C4e6mb2ojm4RWH6VTcRvg/s1600/IMG_5527.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeTHDxdXhXf41qBITZeBI74IrlkUTqW-Qurhs2J9ECGJJjlkRlyfOcGHSe6FN4YFFZAvaPJFsGg2R5YvrTL9DJGRDqN5mxmYrHYLxRf1tCXqqJ7DE5y9T08C4e6mb2ojm4RWH6VTcRvg/s400/IMG_5527.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/no-bake-chocolate-oatmeal-cookies.html">No Bake Oatmeal Cookies</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>5.</b> <b>Support</b>.
I was very fortunate to have a doctor who supported my veganism but I
have heard stories of people defending their decision to their health
care providers and not receiving their support. It is so important to
find a nurse, midwife, or doctor who will work with your lifestyle
choices and believe in the inherent health of a vegan diet.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Cravings</b>. When the cravings came, I quickly found foods that
would satisfy. The grocery store two blocks away carried vegan scones
and I spent a lot of my days off stocking up. At home when I craved
something sweet and chocolatey I had fast go-to recipes like my <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/no-bake-chocolate-oatmeal-cookies.html">no-bake cookies</a></b>.
There was also a time I ate a lot of processed fake meat. Aware of all
the foods available to me and with reliable, fast recipes there was
never a time I was unable to satisfy a craving.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And in the end...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a great, though not without struggles, birth and a beautiful baby girl...wanna take another look? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Zy3Bs9J_eLJS4zRnY-VGbZAGiAISYgvPALTnHlzDoZ0y3ZkwB6IZMSRQ_3CDmmrR3hFDTH7kW1FNNzi24d2ma9fhEOZ2dOSgxOejKsSiPdU4uruWM_4Ba6cVkh7MjZJuw2J-HkwA5o/s1600/IMG_5467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi5Zy3Bs9J_eLJS4zRnY-VGbZAGiAISYgvPALTnHlzDoZ0y3ZkwB6IZMSRQ_3CDmmrR3hFDTH7kW1FNNzi24d2ma9fhEOZ2dOSgxOejKsSiPdU4uruWM_4Ba6cVkh7MjZJuw2J-HkwA5o/s400/IMG_5467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
As my journey continues I learn how to have a vegan baby who will grow
into a vegan toddler. I'm sure there will be lots to share. And maybe
next time I'll tell you what I did with my placenta. :)<br />
<br />
Do you have any vegan pregnancy thoughts or stories?sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-4435963651303365862012-05-06T20:14:00.001-07:002012-05-06T20:15:25.150-07:00Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlw1Wd2lFRmYFWu7dISvwULiGYF9dAAhdW41v8l4W-tw8IEXAYSPB4525XJ79yTyaa81ZulM5qMDUNOFI_kVu4CFok4y7M3Rtk1n5dnv5-XFGuTbGxSC2Bul4lSC-qlj3n1CuBHmkSic/s1600/IMG_5876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlw1Wd2lFRmYFWu7dISvwULiGYF9dAAhdW41v8l4W-tw8IEXAYSPB4525XJ79yTyaa81ZulM5qMDUNOFI_kVu4CFok4y7M3Rtk1n5dnv5-XFGuTbGxSC2Bul4lSC-qlj3n1CuBHmkSic/s400/IMG_5876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
</h3>
<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div id="pin-wrapper" style="margin: 5px 10px 5px 0; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
That's right friends. And it's as good as it looks. <br />
<br />
So far the biggest benefit of my soy/gluten freedom month has been the
forcing of creativity and innovation. I have to admit, I used to have a
sort of prejudice against raw desserts disbelieving in their potential
goodness. Oh was I wrong. This is one of my favorite desserts I have
ever made. Ever. The chocolate hazelnut cheesecake is so rich and creamy
and pure. But wait there's more, it's also healthy!<br />
<br />
Get the recipe <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/raw-chocolate-hazelnut-cheesecake.htmlhttp://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/raw-chocolate-hazelnut-cheesecake.html">here</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-10586937908816645582012-05-03T22:44:00.001-07:002012-05-03T22:50:01.963-07:00Pepperjack Cashew Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBonnvuSjQ2zpKnVrg-MGP7iHQBCIL3a7VmMecW1nBE7VUZ-xqyUvyR_aXWwaeMK9sNuxLY-m91KSGdmrjC_WW6he1xZy5_7qI_JjG3ag8JoVLBZn5qMo16gzAjJEl3k_ju4pgWchTB_o/s1600/IMG_5783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBonnvuSjQ2zpKnVrg-MGP7iHQBCIL3a7VmMecW1nBE7VUZ-xqyUvyR_aXWwaeMK9sNuxLY-m91KSGdmrjC_WW6he1xZy5_7qI_JjG3ag8JoVLBZn5qMo16gzAjJEl3k_ju4pgWchTB_o/s400/IMG_5783.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="post-header" style="text-align: center;">
Oh my my, I love cashew cheese. </div>
<div class="post-header" style="text-align: center;">
There are a lot of store-bought, processed vegan cheeses out there, and
some of them are quite good but few are meant to be eaten without
melting first. This Pepperjack recipes is inspired from The Complete
Guide to Vegan Food Substitutions, which I talked about <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/complete-guide-to-vegan-food.html">here.</a></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out the recipe for this <a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/05/pepperjack-cashew-cheese.html">Pepperjack Cashew Cheese</a> on The Sweet Life</div>
<br />
<br />sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-58063155307909987802012-04-30T22:35:00.004-07:002012-04-30T22:35:42.829-07:00salted caramel corn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPDQutcqfyJEFp1uVsJpNyWN8971DDFDn6MHxkhD2yRodyJB7bPGOSXI-Cfb4ZUiuIdXSSO9Zj7SVQF4Q-ryuh1HHYUNNCRZsVF1Tn_Ran0OiGEVQEHttyKNLL5V11E1aoSqxv-qt5BU/s1600/IMG_5661.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPDQutcqfyJEFp1uVsJpNyWN8971DDFDn6MHxkhD2yRodyJB7bPGOSXI-Cfb4ZUiuIdXSSO9Zj7SVQF4Q-ryuh1HHYUNNCRZsVF1Tn_Ran0OiGEVQEHttyKNLL5V11E1aoSqxv-qt5BU/s400/IMG_5661.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
gluten-free, soy-free, vegan</div>
<br />
I only recently discovered how easy it is to make popcorn with just a
stove and a pot. Upon this discovery my mind started racing with all the
wonderful flavors I could make. Naturally salted caramel was the first
on my list.<br />
<br />
Check out the recipe at <b>The Sweet Life.</b>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-10531284977140260702012-04-30T15:36:00.000-07:002012-04-30T22:36:04.105-07:009 ways to enjoy leaveThis week I made my maternity leave indefinite and said my goodbyes to Whole Foods. I am so lucky and blessed by this opportunity and here are some of the things I look forward to most...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPyjLsLlwq7dYy4iXsgdDgMUKH8s-OWJS9Amck6O5CpDFGCEYNxXVEXmkXweccIuOq-tLz54UzzRL3ZbP2d2BTNUPTNqSoiVZZ1gs7tiuVzV4Fg-Mxtdap5404CLwcHAx4nNRRbnUXYOD/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhPyjLsLlwq7dYy4iXsgdDgMUKH8s-OWJS9Amck6O5CpDFGCEYNxXVEXmkXweccIuOq-tLz54UzzRL3ZbP2d2BTNUPTNqSoiVZZ1gs7tiuVzV4Fg-Mxtdap5404CLwcHAx4nNRRbnUXYOD/s400/IMG_5222.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
1. <b>Baking for fun</b> .When I baked 8 hours a day for someone else, I hardly ever wanted to come home and play with food. Since I started my leave I love being in the kitchen!. <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes">Here </a></b>are a few of the treats I have been making, with many more to come.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4HDUowrhbKnaxSLZ3AbWsStXXRQpMaQ94g_FGuudiPoihyphenhyphenbo7Z_CxMbDFe9NPD9NChfPlcb3qiaUKl-BrYBEN5TPBbuUTp3B0CXvStUvawx0hwN4uL5ksG5n-f41CXn5HHE5edb7OIEh/s1600/IMG_3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg4HDUowrhbKnaxSLZ3AbWsStXXRQpMaQ94g_FGuudiPoihyphenhyphenbo7Z_CxMbDFe9NPD9NChfPlcb3qiaUKl-BrYBEN5TPBbuUTp3B0CXvStUvawx0hwN4uL5ksG5n-f41CXn5HHE5edb7OIEh/s400/IMG_3577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
2. <b>Eating breakfast</b>. I was never good at waking up an extra 30 minutes earlier; its hard when you have to be at work at 5:30 in the morning. Now I can enjoy and savor the most important meal of the day. Check out the recipe for one of my favorite ways to start the day: <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/granola-im-starting-her-young.html">granola</a></b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvneyZGD87hSaWV_PG0w4RUPEft43y_tZ34KTRWO3zRkOwViyprOQlIJLmqUWtm-onZOvGBU8BeeykkPvp_5G_d8D3N5qNnVExbfM8OVEw0TX2_kr3LBJxeWk22oefPBSYHQjbmwohOq1D/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvneyZGD87hSaWV_PG0w4RUPEft43y_tZ34KTRWO3zRkOwViyprOQlIJLmqUWtm-onZOvGBU8BeeykkPvp_5G_d8D3N5qNnVExbfM8OVEw0TX2_kr3LBJxeWk22oefPBSYHQjbmwohOq1D/s400/IMG_3689.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
3. <b>Family walks</b>. One of my favorite developments since Eden's birth is the family walk. Nearly every morning Jason, Eden, Swede, and I start our day with a brisk walk around our neighborhood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLI5C9LhjksN3n5RtBRe4rPSSBo6ZlkCUGr5wrAkoEfbBxCf-tonpxf-Xs4_j_hUSynFN1p9iZ8CSE70DOJp1cPQKZk7HPQOo7CsthaJjQXq4aQ0fNrTdqWXYsmQyDuFrFeSoLnDDeuFr/s1600/IMG_5617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLI5C9LhjksN3n5RtBRe4rPSSBo6ZlkCUGr5wrAkoEfbBxCf-tonpxf-Xs4_j_hUSynFN1p9iZ8CSE70DOJp1cPQKZk7HPQOo7CsthaJjQXq4aQ0fNrTdqWXYsmQyDuFrFeSoLnDDeuFr/s400/IMG_5617.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
4. <b>Sharing life with Eden</b>. I am so lucky to re-experience childhood through Eden's eyes. I love to watch her grow and learn. Currently she is discovering how hands can be useful. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerbOoL74ligiNgAnoK5E8Fpmi95Pw_Fv_cdYFCN9sNqZxXjwGlDLCep6rxc0I_lfCiiMUKB0hr63bjrqHhwvRr6qk9zm2SSqrRxG0Xuh11Lb7KhaUy8A1ASuP5AikEzbPB_CuW1uOHtYD/s1600/IMG_3532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerbOoL74ligiNgAnoK5E8Fpmi95Pw_Fv_cdYFCN9sNqZxXjwGlDLCep6rxc0I_lfCiiMUKB0hr63bjrqHhwvRr6qk9zm2SSqrRxG0Xuh11Lb7KhaUy8A1ASuP5AikEzbPB_CuW1uOHtYD/s400/IMG_3532.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
5. <b>Eden sharing my life. </b>Likewise I am thrilled to teach Eden and show her all my joys in life as she hangs out with me in her wrap.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxM9Cm9bsCJJLbcHgZxwjsRSNFQg0gF6N1M3jZo5Rp1ClRqKN77VbKu0yBWD9aubwZiVCI6ufuXw4IRmf_E9gPOw-I2-g_hVasAPVb4AYy4ukhtXWq8_fQe4v10loM54gxaVFXe_9Nr0dX/s1600/IMG_4635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxM9Cm9bsCJJLbcHgZxwjsRSNFQg0gF6N1M3jZo5Rp1ClRqKN77VbKu0yBWD9aubwZiVCI6ufuXw4IRmf_E9gPOw-I2-g_hVasAPVb4AYy4ukhtXWq8_fQe4v10loM54gxaVFXe_9Nr0dX/s400/IMG_4635.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
6.<b> Weekends</b>. I don't think Jason and I have shared weekends together since I've been working as a baker.<b> <a href="http://www.pdxpipeline.com/">Oh the things we can do! </a></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaMJWM_KR6RS4O4NQcxd8RPhyphenhyphen74LR-RoVSqTQpMUJ62xpg1g451qNgCnqTZ5Pb3Uq8NjCOoNVenmgPHTJrDQ5yn6PJbLSym7f2-cmzXOHU-C5d8IJzboZk_PdO7pZvzsv8vbC7uNCcgT6/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaMJWM_KR6RS4O4NQcxd8RPhyphenhyphen74LR-RoVSqTQpMUJ62xpg1g451qNgCnqTZ5Pb3Uq8NjCOoNVenmgPHTJrDQ5yn6PJbLSym7f2-cmzXOHU-C5d8IJzboZk_PdO7pZvzsv8vbC7uNCcgT6/s400/IMG_4750.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
7. <b>Dinner</b>. Time and energy to be creative with dinner is very exciting. There were a lot of sad dinners when I could hardly stomach water during my pregnancy and a lot of quick dinners when life was too chaotic to cook. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wBfYAjZaM85aUans5ubuNPTLnPu4UH0qrJN56cn2swGUgo-q1L4aCMtdSgCQ0eaDQ9IFqMI_Hd98RG3aEuXEOyQL6hG0E9jezAF2KmMV4KYHmJ9EpQDlPGMcyt7CmSNfILsXZtjgwgAy/s1600/IMG_5267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wBfYAjZaM85aUans5ubuNPTLnPu4UH0qrJN56cn2swGUgo-q1L4aCMtdSgCQ0eaDQ9IFqMI_Hd98RG3aEuXEOyQL6hG0E9jezAF2KmMV4KYHmJ9EpQDlPGMcyt7CmSNfILsXZtjgwgAy/s400/IMG_5267.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
8. <b>Wednesdays at Fern Creek. </b>I look forward to our weekly trip out to my parent's <b><a href="http://www.ferncreekfarm.us/">farm</a></b>. Eden gets to spend time with family while learning about food and where it comes from.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFEayNebgEvJOFTnjYBZckvX-vXrFtCVPVt53mH1g3D_UcVAU8bG9mhnSM3UIN5T3ufWeQOUU7uo2yokNhkfj3yP0gzBg5WlHVCQhtk3Em4FzeEYc3w2zEc3xlWLfxOLCMgRJjGDDnkeZ/s1600/IMG_5390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFEayNebgEvJOFTnjYBZckvX-vXrFtCVPVt53mH1g3D_UcVAU8bG9mhnSM3UIN5T3ufWeQOUU7uo2yokNhkfj3yP0gzBg5WlHVCQhtk3Em4FzeEYc3w2zEc3xlWLfxOLCMgRJjGDDnkeZ/s400/IMG_5390.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
9.<b> Travel with Jason. </b>He's always going cool places for work and finally Eden and I can join him. Eden loves living large in hotel rooms, as you can see, and there are many more in her future.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-90086278768182121782012-04-29T10:30:00.002-07:002012-04-29T10:35:43.079-07:00Roasted Eggplant and tomato pizza<div style="text-align: center;">
gluten-free, soy-free, vegan pizza</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF68GPBvIZPvCHEqtjti-tGuYF1KRe4v9HoHFYxxTEHqMlRdmjp8yqxfsG1QW40MVTnu-o5rIwEKdomXNfBwEc5ZQ-vJNXZjTACPw_mdcSpYqmNyggcbzQAd58ABopSEuxMOVZOOntJtc/s1600/IMG_5607.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF68GPBvIZPvCHEqtjti-tGuYF1KRe4v9HoHFYxxTEHqMlRdmjp8yqxfsG1QW40MVTnu-o5rIwEKdomXNfBwEc5ZQ-vJNXZjTACPw_mdcSpYqmNyggcbzQAd58ABopSEuxMOVZOOntJtc/s400/IMG_5607.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When I removed gluten and soy from my diet I was afraid it was going to
be a sad, sad month. How silly of me.This pizza is delicious, hearty,
and completely satisfying.<br />
<br />
Check out the recipe at <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/roasted-eggplant-and-tomato-pizza.html?spref=fb">The Sweet Life</a></b>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-40598049962442719112012-04-26T09:42:00.002-07:002012-04-29T10:36:20.550-07:00No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
vegan. gluten-free. soy free. delicious. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31uj55ObqaSOZ5ibHh80yaKiJ6O8qEbNsdn8hJp1mS2mf2zernWC7W0k7btn4uoYbYJoI2pdsrp8cLu7ttSuC_E932m-hULJZ9oA65lbvDh65n7Gx0SIqPrnDnk009OQT8fVG-09RAiSr/s1600/IMG_5520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31uj55ObqaSOZ5ibHh80yaKiJ6O8qEbNsdn8hJp1mS2mf2zernWC7W0k7btn4uoYbYJoI2pdsrp8cLu7ttSuC_E932m-hULJZ9oA65lbvDh65n7Gx0SIqPrnDnk009OQT8fVG-09RAiSr/s400/IMG_5520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For the next month I'm on a gluten-free, soy-free food challenge. As a
vegan this limits my diet substantially. After five days of incredibly
healthy, mostly raw meals I needed some chocolate! I have an old no bake
cookie recipe in a family cookbook that I have been veganizing for
years and I realized with one quick walk to the store, I could have my
chocolaty gluten and soy free dessert.<br />
<br />
Check it out <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/no-bake-chocolate-oatmeal-cookies.html">here</a> </b>at The Sweet Lifesarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-6649023502754584252012-04-25T18:12:00.000-07:002012-04-25T18:12:54.962-07:00The Sweet Life<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/">Check it out</a>!</b> I've decided to start another project. <b><a href="http://thesweetlifeonline.blogspot.com/">The Sweet Life</a>,</b> a sister blog to Line Drawings, is an all vegan blog soon to be full of recipes, places to eat, vegan products, and more.</div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-90012691314123509692012-04-25T17:58:00.001-07:002012-04-26T18:37:21.178-07:00Where to eat - Grand RapidsAfter eating out for a week in one of my favorite places, Grand Rapids, Michigan, I decided to start a new component to this blog: Where to eat? Over the next several months I will be traveling with Jason to some of the United State's coolest cities and look most forward to the food I will eat. So for my personal reference (and yours) I am compiling a vegan eatery guide. <br />
<br />
Grand Rapids, Michigan<br />
1. <b><a href="http://mariecatribs.com/">Marie Catrib's</a></b>,1001 Lake Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Center of the Universe. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkbGSIBt2_m_LDRLIEjKAApaa3JJbNSDt-793u0tIanUiLNZAnSCdZRjTCNIfKSkDKfZ7_SAQ8uv_Ev2wjBsLhU1JafAQhNpoiVt-0AzaLk8qbHQTzDNizjKPeqEkqH9XyBWiPjsHBwvO/s1600/mar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkbGSIBt2_m_LDRLIEjKAApaa3JJbNSDt-793u0tIanUiLNZAnSCdZRjTCNIfKSkDKfZ7_SAQ8uv_Ev2wjBsLhU1JafAQhNpoiVt-0AzaLk8qbHQTzDNizjKPeqEkqH9XyBWiPjsHBwvO/s400/mar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b><a href="http://mariecatribs.com/">Marie Catrib's</a></b> is one of West Michigan's true beauties. The thriving business is run on principals of sustainability through environmental conservation and the supporting of local farmer.. They emphasis community within Grand Rapids and within the restaurant itself. And it is the cleanest place you'll ever eat. I know, I used to work there. And on top of all that, the food is delicious and award winning. Try the Sweet Potato Quinoa Burger, ranked by Peta one of the top vegan sandwiches of the year! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOpYcLKL8II/T5Y0ati60sI/AAAAAAAABAY/SO_-ZqCOnDc/s1600/catrib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOpYcLKL8II/T5Y0ati60sI/AAAAAAAABAY/SO_-ZqCOnDc/s400/catrib.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
While<b> <a href="http://mariecatribs.com/">Marie Catrib's</a></b> caters to all of diets, there is a wide selection of vegan entrees, all clearly marked on the <b><a href="http://mariecatribs.com/restaurant/menu/">menu</a></b>, as well as many options that can be veganized. Ask your server, they will always have tons of suggestions. Stop in for breakfast and try the KT Breakfast Special: a tofu/veggie scramble spiced perfectly with ginger and garlic, her almost world famous potatoes with her secret seasoning, and a choice from a variety of fresh daily-made in house bread.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJYlYyQTjHwDbc-u6fy06AIzsb031hWmLuEEKNPbwwP8ey74mdfzw6kApkCmnV5EGWUSON1USOBSuhYDrGWkkQ32DIWDqFP_ABq45SnpGtj0U_GRnFVKc-CnNEs4BcibGCsDIpdUKUYXL/s1600/kt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJYlYyQTjHwDbc-u6fy06AIzsb031hWmLuEEKNPbwwP8ey74mdfzw6kApkCmnV5EGWUSON1USOBSuhYDrGWkkQ32DIWDqFP_ABq45SnpGtj0U_GRnFVKc-CnNEs4BcibGCsDIpdUKUYXL/s400/kt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Don't leave without trying one of Marie's fantastic gluten free and vegan cakes or cookies. <br />
<br />
2. <b><a href="http://www.bartertowngr.com/">Bartertown Diner</a></b>, 6 Jefferson Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49503<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNYL0mqXKWWODC3yB3DbKb2nhlV3TbLi5bQ37HGlT6cBPL2FsaEiMs2LyvXlIxAQX2sNeJaTMbCcO-nWc1JHf7zX26Cw1BRfWjXbYSe1zVLnqT4sdOEigyLLx9-e49PIbaXCvww4soCeP/s1600/btd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNYL0mqXKWWODC3yB3DbKb2nhlV3TbLi5bQ37HGlT6cBPL2FsaEiMs2LyvXlIxAQX2sNeJaTMbCcO-nWc1JHf7zX26Cw1BRfWjXbYSe1zVLnqT4sdOEigyLLx9-e49PIbaXCvww4soCeP/s400/btd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This (mostly) vegan diner was opened since I've left Grand Rapids. But last week I was introduced and swept off my feet. <b><a href="http://www.bartertowngr.com/">Bartertown Diner </a></b>is a worker owned and operated business that relies heavily on local produce, changing their menu when the season requires. They have impressive environmentally sustainable practices. Check out this <b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/videogallery/68800996/News/Bartertown-Diner:-Trash-Free---3.14.12">video</a></b>. and you will be amazed to discover the restaurant is is virtually waste-free. And did I mention their food is awesome?<br />
<br />
Bartertown Diner is mostly vegan with many raw options, Try the pizza of the day, always changing, always vegan, and always worth it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn81a4zkE3QKEmWmRMmdHzZbiB6rWqKLzAg8VUAv9UzunwxrqI89dTYlDbTYPCNfbtBhC7GkfISIzw8Q2v5bebrg_C95eqEv_6hd3fjxjpBIUYh12rVlL4Pb5yFY_lU5GUYI0NF4l4QzWv/s1600/pizza11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn81a4zkE3QKEmWmRMmdHzZbiB6rWqKLzAg8VUAv9UzunwxrqI89dTYlDbTYPCNfbtBhC7GkfISIzw8Q2v5bebrg_C95eqEv_6hd3fjxjpBIUYh12rVlL4Pb5yFY_lU5GUYI0NF4l4QzWv/s400/pizza11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also tried the Parsnip Ribwich with baked beans and was very pleased. But you cannot leave without dessert. Roc's cupcakes look delicious and have great reviews. I will have to go back to try each and every one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOS5MH0WAwgWjtqnDUGj80wIVbHAv4bM3KuInI072qd8TDmcm1-WKaf4-tZsDablk8IomkSlPFBiy_gnfdICPD6MMrxr1g0VJoe4LP_RZe5g0fvF028zL9VrdmVoC2_9YC8RlHK3gWsff/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOS5MH0WAwgWjtqnDUGj80wIVbHAv4bM3KuInI072qd8TDmcm1-WKaf4-tZsDablk8IomkSlPFBiy_gnfdICPD6MMrxr1g0VJoe4LP_RZe5g0fvF028zL9VrdmVoC2_9YC8RlHK3gWsff/s400/cupcakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But I was so taken with the raw chocolate "cheese"cake at lunch that I had to get it again at dinner. I am extremely picky about desserts and unfairly skeptical about raw food, and I was (almost) licking my plate.<br />
<br />
3. Little Africa Ethiopian Restaurant, 956 Fulton St. Grand Rapids, MI 49503<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2ujOd84ckv-kWjJWnbiwTFujg0oPo-HlCqXSKRYEvIWrUIYYMX9HqtAB1bq2Fnj7cqFD-uQvpk_3qWFR30K00TBLpDCcL8ZL2P2AX4EITOGbyhBfyX_ky6yEYPfnSX9-sKpk20tXCzcv/s1600/lit+afric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2ujOd84ckv-kWjJWnbiwTFujg0oPo-HlCqXSKRYEvIWrUIYYMX9HqtAB1bq2Fnj7cqFD-uQvpk_3qWFR30K00TBLpDCcL8ZL2P2AX4EITOGbyhBfyX_ky6yEYPfnSX9-sKpk20tXCzcv/s400/lit+afric.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
I have traveled the United States for an Ethiopian restaurant equal to Little Africa's and I have yet to find one that comes even a little close. Check out the <b><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/little-africa-grand-rapids">reviews</a></b>. I am not alone in my love for this place. After two nights in a row of this fresh, flavorful cuisine I started questioning why I ever moved away from this restaurant. Eat here every chance you get! Order the sampler platter and enjoy the wide variety of flavors and textures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcmWLJC_SgaS71qmpy_EF71k8PeGY0jAKonEkBod6Hm-uNO1CjAvawfMc7gnF1DCkJ00YpSGth53GSgvguzGkVufV6aEDf9hQmNLqwswVzfhmOzE5TsLKDred5JMNUBwK_gdKgmEECmFM/s1600/afric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcmWLJC_SgaS71qmpy_EF71k8PeGY0jAKonEkBod6Hm-uNO1CjAvawfMc7gnF1DCkJ00YpSGth53GSgvguzGkVufV6aEDf9hQmNLqwswVzfhmOzE5TsLKDred5JMNUBwK_gdKgmEECmFM/s400/afric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Plus you have to eat with your hands. Does it get any better than that? Enjoy the meal with spiced tea or mango juice. You may find it hard to leave this place behind.<br />
<br />
<br />
Where else should one eat when visiting Grand Rapids?sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-82770603795699350022012-04-23T20:01:00.000-07:002012-04-23T20:15:31.465-07:009 Book Recommendations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY6KUfuoUUynwsF_P2xEFRu3eWZQciKapEzm6XGqkLHISl47yHJigj_VW-PUMzspC83h5ykXkhyI9ONHxv5FdodLYY5H1jwlwzB4nV52JZpe6ddjhMf_NoBwiJAvdeoQaBLEKM51SIWae/s1600/clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY6KUfuoUUynwsF_P2xEFRu3eWZQciKapEzm6XGqkLHISl47yHJigj_VW-PUMzspC83h5ykXkhyI9ONHxv5FdodLYY5H1jwlwzB4nV52JZpe6ddjhMf_NoBwiJAvdeoQaBLEKM51SIWae/s400/clay.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUi8kjV9n6uCPXvL0fenvE4pUxL7tNw29VeWAe4tqBHuhlkt3ZyHN3dpCA77gT-O0zoNpRl3Zwa5JC7DWZByk6sv80rWmc_ffyiGnxyGaiPCeJVZum7fHint05KYgHS2wwc-yOopNlm7i/s1600/unl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUi8kjV9n6uCPXvL0fenvE4pUxL7tNw29VeWAe4tqBHuhlkt3ZyHN3dpCA77gT-O0zoNpRl3Zwa5JC7DWZByk6sv80rWmc_ffyiGnxyGaiPCeJVZum7fHint05KYgHS2wwc-yOopNlm7i/s400/unl.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBhBppFXMnPEnT9ptWOj7eOiAxHqD0qzecrV2g4a2Sy6Qcnw6xlcklCrg3Zm65mJ_wUNAxWBsC6SNLS8EsmNplt9pJYMokHkMJL8-al-7GZJ14_FVh7jWBRErtqZn1ztJ6pVbUf-ORwEd/s1600/bea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBhBppFXMnPEnT9ptWOj7eOiAxHqD0qzecrV2g4a2Sy6Qcnw6xlcklCrg3Zm65mJ_wUNAxWBsC6SNLS8EsmNplt9pJYMokHkMJL8-al-7GZJ14_FVh7jWBRErtqZn1ztJ6pVbUf-ORwEd/s400/bea.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkmjuVXFsrBe_etD8L0-exPYNBvKmCbREMH34l77qJWZRV2u86T_DD4JDh0Y5AvO4kst5v_Yq4EM-1-MrFoEkfWAmnMxylmx6afRk9ZsalTTIQOyocKGnqVxrbLgeIXWv2hR3630v_mch/s1600/wind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkmjuVXFsrBe_etD8L0-exPYNBvKmCbREMH34l77qJWZRV2u86T_DD4JDh0Y5AvO4kst5v_Yq4EM-1-MrFoEkfWAmnMxylmx6afRk9ZsalTTIQOyocKGnqVxrbLgeIXWv2hR3630v_mch/s400/wind.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaarpZTtIcVXst2r0AN5LUOISCRcAitaQQJ-t0AWqn6Xm0qRQkrqXRJNIZI519tgx5BOv-GBSZQrhsXG_PXixTU3taxh-crvgYl9xFonYOIElUj6JYc7bYKcpJthO5jDNm-8E7_Mq0VAe6/s1600/bees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAi7sZws5fDHh1Pc6K8SQdh8PXYUY1nXfV4Xs5_Ebhxz-yplW8yBZ48w2Fv18R-wKlqvoXPhXEAFshgtuiF8eTLAdBcORWgDjEsA9gmeNtafqndAc6LcASTEeY131zMuuJTIckoByffig/s1600/anim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAi7sZws5fDHh1Pc6K8SQdh8PXYUY1nXfV4Xs5_Ebhxz-yplW8yBZ48w2Fv18R-wKlqvoXPhXEAFshgtuiF8eTLAdBcORWgDjEsA9gmeNtafqndAc6LcASTEeY131zMuuJTIckoByffig/s400/anim.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaarpZTtIcVXst2r0AN5LUOISCRcAitaQQJ-t0AWqn6Xm0qRQkrqXRJNIZI519tgx5BOv-GBSZQrhsXG_PXixTU3taxh-crvgYl9xFonYOIElUj6JYc7bYKcpJthO5jDNm-8E7_Mq0VAe6/s1600/bees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaarpZTtIcVXst2r0AN5LUOISCRcAitaQQJ-t0AWqn6Xm0qRQkrqXRJNIZI519tgx5BOv-GBSZQrhsXG_PXixTU3taxh-crvgYl9xFonYOIElUj6JYc7bYKcpJthO5jDNm-8E7_Mq0VAe6/s400/bees.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEdUNCf-d7cewZxQknBsnXICEtNd1x8yMbBTxqaN8aP7dm4blOM8BinusL2-vOHcf1nLCO7-PuotV1QBN1FAtQn-Bbb3tGCDPWu4U3DEwr8LrG3ONaYlAKZfqWACg3r5Ki6a4-FovJlFW/s1600/colu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEdUNCf-d7cewZxQknBsnXICEtNd1x8yMbBTxqaN8aP7dm4blOM8BinusL2-vOHcf1nLCO7-PuotV1QBN1FAtQn-Bbb3tGCDPWu4U3DEwr8LrG3ONaYlAKZfqWACg3r5Ki6a4-FovJlFW/s400/colu.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4NsV_p1Zy31axkj-9DF1o7j-qZSDWoG9GWzX9LmX_HFScCrvDY-jtjXFSUvpTGLBEVgnSlEW1u0U0D0yZUH5D9TcOIbve7VYe4wXG4ea8enGu2-puppyq3mrCDN3_SQivStGwe_2Ocr2/s1600/wally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4NsV_p1Zy31axkj-9DF1o7j-qZSDWoG9GWzX9LmX_HFScCrvDY-jtjXFSUvpTGLBEVgnSlEW1u0U0D0yZUH5D9TcOIbve7VYe4wXG4ea8enGu2-puppyq3mrCDN3_SQivStGwe_2Ocr2/s400/wally.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ6BqXLbRyeexKiUa79wxSiYTn2MNLM4TnCTpgnYoJcxc5UkmSzMAMGKzaQEIz-ws5ZWWHmiRYQHddP5Ns6cmI05E2458Iho40ByyqoG1kYcMil-FGR14q2dVSRiNYI_cKLPscEk3kl7g/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQ6BqXLbRyeexKiUa79wxSiYTn2MNLM4TnCTpgnYoJcxc5UkmSzMAMGKzaQEIz-ws5ZWWHmiRYQHddP5Ns6cmI05E2458Iho40ByyqoG1kYcMil-FGR14q2dVSRiNYI_cKLPscEk3kl7g/s400/peace.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-75419313400246205832012-04-18T12:04:00.019-07:002012-04-18T20:56:10.461-07:009 adventures of EdenTraveling with an infant child and catching up with wonderful friends makes blogging difficult. Today is for Eden, who has done outstanding on this trip, but needs a little extra Mama time. And while she sleeps in my wrap I present to you my list:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />1. Eden joins the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fqkfBuZePQQS5LhiJBrW-nicVWb0JXjYtjj0FgwDPdst5LWJqAoXhtJRJCyYld7Z8sruJXhjQLNgQR9thCuUwkVaeHYgV8tNzznMySMzv_Ic55A9I2aXDdJzIbQrbR6hvKsPRexuyNzg/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 441px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fqkfBuZePQQS5LhiJBrW-nicVWb0JXjYtjj0FgwDPdst5LWJqAoXhtJRJCyYld7Z8sruJXhjQLNgQR9thCuUwkVaeHYgV8tNzznMySMzv_Ic55A9I2aXDdJzIbQrbR6hvKsPRexuyNzg/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732821866039388546" border="0" /></a><br />2. Eden is welcomed home<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ISYShEhRPzgA2Jh_a48kG1ZLgc68POf1trv5M8npeF_PE_Fn10HY8AJrJ1MoV9iOv5NSPjgPG-O7MpPG7KG1bhon_clrp2CCtVbqVtI5dSch-TQq2M89tOUs0RFgXdqPfcujpwcD72pU/s1600/IMG_3241.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 445px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ISYShEhRPzgA2Jh_a48kG1ZLgc68POf1trv5M8npeF_PE_Fn10HY8AJrJ1MoV9iOv5NSPjgPG-O7MpPG7KG1bhon_clrp2CCtVbqVtI5dSch-TQq2M89tOUs0RFgXdqPfcujpwcD72pU/s320/IMG_3241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732823260735457282" border="0" /></a><br />3. Eden and her BFF<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hNmRq_H5gHY2IRooDtNS28Z6wjANWN43ofPl0Mjt9feoJVNDQpx3syZXYK-KB4j4KmcCMsvlLl6_e4-JJCdSgaKjwY9cZTnu31MARoUAY1cyabyk-YTPMwziRrO_lPfLnPMIy4P-cLek/s1600/IMG_4570.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 445px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hNmRq_H5gHY2IRooDtNS28Z6wjANWN43ofPl0Mjt9feoJVNDQpx3syZXYK-KB4j4KmcCMsvlLl6_e4-JJCdSgaKjwY9cZTnu31MARoUAY1cyabyk-YTPMwziRrO_lPfLnPMIy4P-cLek/s320/IMG_4570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732824512332011714" border="0" /></a><br />4. Eden goes on a walk<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoq6q0C9nK13ahoB1LRW1KI2-fcybCedm5tUQhqCHzVS1FPNRW-_ewA3CpTlIgskcamVdPnbU7S2GsTR2ruiRXVrQ2fXNfZDFIP4bZ9lgJxAib5OJoysBrymXyaiMw1QFUd1UN4QufFx4/s1600/IMG_3684.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 442px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCoq6q0C9nK13ahoB1LRW1KI2-fcybCedm5tUQhqCHzVS1FPNRW-_ewA3CpTlIgskcamVdPnbU7S2GsTR2ruiRXVrQ2fXNfZDFIP4bZ9lgJxAib5OJoysBrymXyaiMw1QFUd1UN4QufFx4/s320/IMG_3684.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732846865380557778" border="0" /></a><br />5. Eden's first boyfriend<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDizMt3MUGama6PDrQNDdtNWkt08jJVtWBCpEdOFN1P6hNn5jXmLzZi8pOdaqXOm__JNAbb-ePXYSqo02AAI65EUiz3PPNskJ4UxzsWH_dZ07Pvvl339bUuLmxfnuWY73ne2tOrvp2xSd9/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDizMt3MUGama6PDrQNDdtNWkt08jJVtWBCpEdOFN1P6hNn5jXmLzZi8pOdaqXOm__JNAbb-ePXYSqo02AAI65EUiz3PPNskJ4UxzsWH_dZ07Pvvl339bUuLmxfnuWY73ne2tOrvp2xSd9/s320/IMG_4280.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732823944144668866" border="0" /></a><br />6. Eden enjoys the sun<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkO9gvHm04clmpsqWJW9wsSI59JEHdA_GM7kmk1HOg2IDwkvbCRXShIpaQhzmzVBVNDFz1JxfI5KnaWzv1X4jhyK8WpX2ydmWPWZO_sIWzHIT7migPN3oU0Ws_D5h29d9QCBrbe5krrUPo/s1600/IMG_4610.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 429px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkO9gvHm04clmpsqWJW9wsSI59JEHdA_GM7kmk1HOg2IDwkvbCRXShIpaQhzmzVBVNDFz1JxfI5KnaWzv1X4jhyK8WpX2ydmWPWZO_sIWzHIT7migPN3oU0Ws_D5h29d9QCBrbe5krrUPo/s320/IMG_4610.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732825053677343074" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />7. Eden gets kissed<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE4P2_K9Q__qmUS3_QvpN0rBz-Ly1hrMkVgIH6tNC870NycgDXF_2Dfay7jz7hiaGOEbunMDT83rRIjp3JqFSWWseFfXIKZj-t0vhvorVeuc4ZN7GW4P3Jvb2y3Ezc_U_ZwrHPUbh51PL/s1600/IMG_5000.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXE4P2_K9Q__qmUS3_QvpN0rBz-Ly1hrMkVgIH6tNC870NycgDXF_2Dfay7jz7hiaGOEbunMDT83rRIjp3JqFSWWseFfXIKZj-t0vhvorVeuc4ZN7GW4P3Jvb2y3Ezc_U_ZwrHPUbh51PL/s320/IMG_5000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732826538470967746" border="0" /></a><br />8. Eden stays at the JW Marriott<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw11sgeq7__mbpIeBRH6zdQQacK-a9KtQgIoraBHI9XoMiplkUPtkWjk8mhUMlezB7PVA_qSKwdKyNef-aJcaPmy7xFr4rTfukuO8keZTZzF-rM2r-Z7vg3Ui8R7c63QIuN8FzhEmHv0QZ/s1600/IMG_5390.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 423px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw11sgeq7__mbpIeBRH6zdQQacK-a9KtQgIoraBHI9XoMiplkUPtkWjk8mhUMlezB7PVA_qSKwdKyNef-aJcaPmy7xFr4rTfukuO8keZTZzF-rM2r-Z7vg3Ui8R7c63QIuN8FzhEmHv0QZ/s320/IMG_5390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732827942640350066" border="0" /></a><br />9. And after a long day,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Eden passes out<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyNXqn1A8v3FAjfH9v6clrDTktwXJeoF2N_QqPCURDdypydZyb2xra-QTur7m7QAuT93vXcwEzGFrb9GOaWs1YdEszqWCTd4ICtwA9OwBxHJSo6Unznjtmb98oDNPtdoJVYmLP2BKoHjZ/s1600/IMG_5198.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 436px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyNXqn1A8v3FAjfH9v6clrDTktwXJeoF2N_QqPCURDdypydZyb2xra-QTur7m7QAuT93vXcwEzGFrb9GOaWs1YdEszqWCTd4ICtwA9OwBxHJSo6Unznjtmb98oDNPtdoJVYmLP2BKoHjZ/s320/IMG_5198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732845332371385714" border="0" /></a></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-47414578040336895222012-04-18T11:43:00.006-07:002012-04-18T20:55:32.007-07:00Baby goes west<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW4f1lC5tau76Ui7d5TzCAtHGG8g6So4-VnQmEY-vnmSEge-wPo1sGWLoawvDT4dIOVDpcyR3l0O4SeMF7pY5NdKUXzn2D09-E9RFHm0b8UYFMx4qu4L_u3hyKzI2U4MAd9sc3BhDvn-O/s1600/IMG_5382.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 533px; height: 353px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYW4f1lC5tau76Ui7d5TzCAtHGG8g6So4-VnQmEY-vnmSEge-wPo1sGWLoawvDT4dIOVDpcyR3l0O4SeMF7pY5NdKUXzn2D09-E9RFHm0b8UYFMx4qu4L_u3hyKzI2U4MAd9sc3BhDvn-O/s320/IMG_5382.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732814338482972530" border="0" /></a><br />Well, actually we have gone east, spending the last week with our wonderful family and friends of west Michigan. But I brought a little project from the west.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqpMOdaECpofpCBU3Jc9ZLOmBd33ut48xPPvlels-icdccaHvapVyy1kFhrA4seuw1V6Iliq7cnz3Hs5h1NTMn0GQePWcWNa3coWqL2shrFC-q-Fj71GSuW-M2F_gRxo1oXq6cCqRSUah/s1600/IMG_5369.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 438px; height: 656px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqpMOdaECpofpCBU3Jc9ZLOmBd33ut48xPPvlels-icdccaHvapVyy1kFhrA4seuw1V6Iliq7cnz3Hs5h1NTMn0GQePWcWNa3coWqL2shrFC-q-Fj71GSuW-M2F_gRxo1oXq6cCqRSUah/s320/IMG_5369.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732816093577917890" border="0" /></a><br />I found this fantastic pattern <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ecrater.com/p/13807351/crochet-pattern-cowboy-boots-baby">here</a>. It does cost $5.95 but it uses only the littlest-bit of yarn and makes wonderful baby gifts. These particular ones are for a very special unborn baby I will be meeting this summer.<br /><br />It took less than a half of skein of Cotton Ease yarn, about 4 hours and medium skills. Do you have a special baby coming? Check out <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ecrater.com/p/13807351/crochet-pattern-cowboy-boots-baby">this</a> pattern.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWg6L-EICj775gmfuF6paBqNH5sgMxjAiIkexBTUDGsbdhbiS0jgxf3DO_slJ0ruIgl0p6FJ5g67KbzJ2wTSOqsrYnwsOMzHRfPihGwNMH8R5AttkuwB_IivZ81Gtloo2_LibMr_1FgX_/s1600/IMG_5386.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 567px; height: 379px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWg6L-EICj775gmfuF6paBqNH5sgMxjAiIkexBTUDGsbdhbiS0jgxf3DO_slJ0ruIgl0p6FJ5g67KbzJ2wTSOqsrYnwsOMzHRfPihGwNMH8R5AttkuwB_IivZ81Gtloo2_LibMr_1FgX_/s320/IMG_5386.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732813651620377362" border="0" /></a>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-88015049536319965912012-04-10T23:07:00.002-07:002012-04-18T20:56:59.834-07:00Easter Fruit Tart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs0uXFjLYX2XSANJYSNAduH1Bj6coq3tphqbwM8Gqd42rIuEG7Np0ra4XUY3j3Ieucc17J8dIa4h5ZU0IUOHyP8lNeMU0g1JgDMtDvgfGaK-LgutD_W0l0RMQwGyKcIemZ6pNEh5SfRjH/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 666px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs0uXFjLYX2XSANJYSNAduH1Bj6coq3tphqbwM8Gqd42rIuEG7Np0ra4XUY3j3Ieucc17J8dIa4h5ZU0IUOHyP8lNeMU0g1JgDMtDvgfGaK-LgutD_W0l0RMQwGyKcIemZ6pNEh5SfRjH/s320/IMG_5222.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729473401718513762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">As I mentioned earlier, I am totally into cashews right now and have been eager to try cashew pastry cream. I have made other vegan pastry creams in the past and never been very pleased with the result. Going creamy often involves tofu (which I am trying to limit in my diet) and always runs the risk of having that "vegan aftertaste". Well I have decided it is time for that "vegan aftertaste" to become a compliment. It is time for people to expect our creams and custards and mousses to be better than their cow counterpart.<br /><br />So my dessert challenge this week was to make a delicious pastry cream out of cashews that would be the base of my Easter fruit tart.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >The Components:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Cashew Pastry Cream<br />Shortbread Tart Shell<br />1 pint Strawberries<br />1/2 pint Raspberries<br />1/2 pint Blueberries<br />2 Kiwi<br />1 Mango<br />Apricot Glaze<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Cashew Pastry Cream</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />3 Tbsp non-hydrogenated margarine (Earth Balance is best)<br />2 Tbsp cornstarch<br />2/3 cup sugar<br />2 cups soy milk<br />2 vanilla beans<br />1 cup raw cashews<br />1 cup water<br /><br />Soak the cashews in 1 cup water overnight.<br /><br /></span><div style="Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;font-family:";"><span style="font-size:100%;">In a food processor blend the cashews with the water until completely smooth. This may take a long time so be patient.<br /></span></div><div style="Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;font-family:";"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Meanwhile melt margarine in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add cornstarch and quickly whisk until smooth and thick. Mix the milk and sugar in a separate bowl and add slowly into the cornstarch mixture, whisking constantly. With a paring knife slice the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape the bean clean. Stir vanilla into pastry cream. Switch from whisk to spatula and continue stirring while cream thickens, scraping down the sides. It should coat the spatula, looking something like this:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcmwNQpzEO0bvXLm_l7N7XuMJn5-SJNNmYF0Sbch8MbjZF7Vjv9WlrbfKP0K-RFclcgY1nPpGrblM7kRCuMHBqmTK6KzVHW9JuxHsarDud91ZDujybaPTumospP58vHmMOxgl-uuTIhYd/s1600/IMG_5170.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcmwNQpzEO0bvXLm_l7N7XuMJn5-SJNNmYF0Sbch8MbjZF7Vjv9WlrbfKP0K-RFclcgY1nPpGrblM7kRCuMHBqmTK6KzVHW9JuxHsarDud91ZDujybaPTumospP58vHmMOxgl-uuTIhYd/s320/IMG_5170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729475623599270434" border="0" /></a>Once thick, remove from heat and allow cream to cool slightly. When it is no longer hot to the touch add it to the cashews which should be very smooth and creamy and blend for a few more minutes until well combined.<br /></span></div><div style="Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;font-family:";"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;">Place in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Set in refrigerator and allow several hours for pastry cream to set up.<br />This can be made several days in advance; it will store in the refrigerator for up to five days.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Shortbread Tart Shell</span><br /><br />This recipe is from Isa Chandra Moskowitz's wonderful cookie cookbook, "Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar."<br /><br />1 cup non-hydrogenated margarine, slightly softened<br />2/3 cup sugar<br />2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />2 cups flour<br />1/3 cup cornstarch<br /><br />Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-inch tart pan.<br />In a large bowl beat together the margarine and sugar, scraping the sides often, until very light and creamy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiE73eyCRpXYYk0T3byb6WCSIbFTbGXy0DJGWdXIBSCdvFY1iPq0zd3h73-xF9CQxZnRKNadiwWEVaicsS3Fd1QHmSgHYCPadsiqhKFkWmDV4InVW3c8DMNPzgkr8KkCM-s0rP8C7xE4M/s1600/IMG_5131.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 530px; height: 354px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiE73eyCRpXYYk0T3byb6WCSIbFTbGXy0DJGWdXIBSCdvFY1iPq0zd3h73-xF9CQxZnRKNadiwWEVaicsS3Fd1QHmSgHYCPadsiqhKFkWmDV4InVW3c8DMNPzgkr8KkCM-s0rP8C7xE4M/s320/IMG_5131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729470755059837074" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Sift together flour and cornstarch. Add to margarine mixture in batches, folding in with a spatula first. Beat together until mixture is crumbly yet moist, holding together when pressed. You want it to look something like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKiS9tbvGB4LLTw3A8js6dHEWa8HgmkJ1SoZ6cX4as0a7KaFg5DQdtITx2t23UYt_AXNx2atoTCfI4QdlTucCBguIJReV1Fdt0rOkGDlBaC84yWOxZNVmwnMd67AVvbm5THWyuObJAIGw/s1600/IMG_5144.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 525px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKiS9tbvGB4LLTw3A8js6dHEWa8HgmkJ1SoZ6cX4as0a7KaFg5DQdtITx2t23UYt_AXNx2atoTCfI4QdlTucCBguIJReV1Fdt0rOkGDlBaC84yWOxZNVmwnMd67AVvbm5THWyuObJAIGw/s320/IMG_5144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729471040124952418" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Empty dough into tart shell and press down with fingers so that it evenly fills the bottom. Press all around the entire rim of the pan to get the dough into the fluted edges as well as at the fold so that you have a good 90 degree angle.<br />For a clean look run a knife around the top to even out the sides.<br /><br />With a fork poke holes into the dough.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXWEre0mmf8HPml2guE3ivQ-8mFMjestLVNZvrvUMUJnAOCoeGLfBCiQqiH2npKlmIGtwYC6K2jzliHVPVn5EcFJV5iaX-3DXMquQ_CiqMdFD3aHYFFvEBFTl4haeH0NSWFJUQFKEwrnU/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIXWEre0mmf8HPml2guE3ivQ-8mFMjestLVNZvrvUMUJnAOCoeGLfBCiQqiH2npKlmIGtwYC6K2jzliHVPVn5EcFJV5iaX-3DXMquQ_CiqMdFD3aHYFFvEBFTl4haeH0NSWFJUQFKEwrnU/s320/IMG_5153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729471373987715890" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Place tart shell in oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes until the shortbread is slightly puffed and the edges are staring to golden. Remove from heat and let cool.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"></span><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Assembly</span><br /><br />Pour chilled and set-up pastry cream into completely cooled tart shell, filling about half full. Smooth the top with an offset spatula. Place back in fridge to set up for another hour or so.<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YXKE8BMD8OpKgnZAncubu0UV-tEe0nNZQEbRzbKyuZMZSFEioNEEEKc_YGO_1O-XsLCeElfVh87vk8Yd3C-rl8KYRN0AQB0ivfT8ROBqIk0VQeyrN-mpBL8JiNROCDBi0rpUANvo9gSz/s1600/IMG_5189.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7YXKE8BMD8OpKgnZAncubu0UV-tEe0nNZQEbRzbKyuZMZSFEioNEEEKc_YGO_1O-XsLCeElfVh87vk8Yd3C-rl8KYRN0AQB0ivfT8ROBqIk0VQeyrN-mpBL8JiNROCDBi0rpUANvo9gSz/s320/IMG_5189.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729471574670947122" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Once ready, gently remove the sides of the tart pan by holding the bottom and slightly pushing down at the rim to remove. It's important to do this now before the tart gets too heavy. Take a knife and stick it between the bottom of the pan and tart shell. The bottom should just ease off at this point.<br /><br />Place on flat round plate and begin assembling. You can do this however you like with any type of fruit. This is what I did:<br />Cut strawberries in half and place around the edge. Place raspberries just inside the strawberries, doubling them up to create volume.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbO8kkP4Shuj5OOAL8fI9RO9gRFv5ng_brsnVztgBmF6zkQC0oA2k4aJboXYZEq9ebkr8KYhgnnSv-_tj4zUiPD-o6h5Laav9cfiqkWNOdsWRonjy3xf6ql2v1rhn0rY88OTPT_xmuHdz/s1600/IMG_5201.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 522px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbO8kkP4Shuj5OOAL8fI9RO9gRFv5ng_brsnVztgBmF6zkQC0oA2k4aJboXYZEq9ebkr8KYhgnnSv-_tj4zUiPD-o6h5Laav9cfiqkWNOdsWRonjy3xf6ql2v1rhn0rY88OTPT_xmuHdz/s320/IMG_5201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729816740744491586" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">Skin and slice kiwi into eight slices and place around the raspberries, followed by all the blueberries. Again, I used an entire 1/2 pint, stacking them to create more volume. I finished with three strawberries and slices of mangos in the center.<br /><br />You're almost finished! Heat up 1 Tbsp apricot jam (or any jam really) and 2 Tbsp water, whisking constantly until boiling. With a pastry brush (silicone works best) brush the glaze on over the fruit. This gives it a nice shine and a couple extra hours of shelf life.<br /><br />Refrigerate until ready to serve.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZeYZOVhH3zNfo9ZN5iU8L2rCOZqeH6D2JNEyLg0GnW-sIAhb7WnI0-cqRjF7qUPJ1GqBDPgcgcbOxcJoqlrW-85HqYamR2b7wUpGwAvoSeZPJ_kJC3aLKVsxS2zff-UmiV1lhKS0fNNC/s1600/IMG_5218.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 529px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZeYZOVhH3zNfo9ZN5iU8L2rCOZqeH6D2JNEyLg0GnW-sIAhb7WnI0-cqRjF7qUPJ1GqBDPgcgcbOxcJoqlrW-85HqYamR2b7wUpGwAvoSeZPJ_kJC3aLKVsxS2zff-UmiV1lhKS0fNNC/s320/IMG_5218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729473169598221282" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-54614916235751742912012-04-09T19:20:00.006-07:002012-04-18T20:59:51.249-07:009 cheap ways to decorateI'm always working on making our house less shabby and more chic with little or no money. This involves checking out blogs, like <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/">apartment therapy</a> or <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/">thrifty decor chic</a> or my friend's new blog <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://luminoushome.blogspot.com/">luminous homes</a>, and many books from the library. My efforts have been minimal, but enough for this weeks list.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mHenVMmLqN8wEetdMbo3DFan_BIwnfp0HKzm-TseJt3pMR7UW7UgK9d-L3ifsJYQjhlV8mp5i7Wk5UlNFV1jlLBxIzSl3jUldJM5y8PzI89smwUJnT4mAOABM0sSUpJ4rbjZCSniugsu/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 241px; height: 361px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mHenVMmLqN8wEetdMbo3DFan_BIwnfp0HKzm-TseJt3pMR7UW7UgK9d-L3ifsJYQjhlV8mp5i7Wk5UlNFV1jlLBxIzSl3jUldJM5y8PzI89smwUJnT4mAOABM0sSUpJ4rbjZCSniugsu/s320/IMG_5302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729504050406641554" border="0" /></a>1.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Photography</span>. These are pictures I took in Honduras of the street markets that I printed, matted, and framed. The entire cost to finish these prints was around thirty-five dollars and now these originally digital pictures have become art on my kitchen wall.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pillows</span>. There are all kinds of tutorials for throw pillows and pillow covers online. Martha Stewart has many great ideas <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.marthastewart.com/274323/pillow-projects/@center/277001/diy-decorating">here</a>. Great fabric on old pillows will easily freshen up a room.<br /><br />3.<span style="font-weight: bold;">Curtains</span>. Remember the <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://linedrawings-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/02/crafting-in-nursery-part-1.html">nursery </a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://linedrawings-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/02/crafting-in-nursery-part-1.html">curtains</a>? This very simple sewing project adds so much character and color to Eden's room saving me the many trips to thrift stores searching for acceptable and affordable wall art.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chests.</span> We picked this up at goodwill for 10 dollars. It works perfectly as a coffee table in our den giving the room a unique<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8QvB5VLpXeA1ZVeXKKDq95kxEK3vOgwK3GfhIq1w8Jx-lRxcsfs5iFNRXY2GsL2M7t91d0PhfSbx8FTZ6qGFQ6SWPrRWsoPwuuqnhn480DiRCSp1dvFZcaBOcSOwBI7Y663B_VgTyPQw/s1600/IMG_5364.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8QvB5VLpXeA1ZVeXKKDq95kxEK3vOgwK3GfhIq1w8Jx-lRxcsfs5iFNRXY2GsL2M7t91d0PhfSbx8FTZ6qGFQ6SWPrRWsoPwuuqnhn480DiRCSp1dvFZcaBOcSOwBI7Y663B_VgTyPQw/s320/IMG_5364.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729565645406752354" border="0" /></a> rustic aesthetic while providing extra storage for our small house.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Color</span>. When we bought our house it was small, dark,and old. By investing in the time to paint we brought light and energy into our home, opening it up and giving it new life.<br /><br />6. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg0A8CFrSGObDgZJxdRQhmRUk7cG8F2EJAdTn8oVCtlJI4MIQkXlphlUDCqsWC6Ns0_OrtKFrzrcYXbP1kScUiLkC7wGepG5Da4bPBXb0zsk8jCkC_l1_V1oaiV4X3o0XIieVaC0K7j6K/s1600/IMG_5311.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg0A8CFrSGObDgZJxdRQhmRUk7cG8F2EJAdTn8oVCtlJI4MIQkXlphlUDCqsWC6Ns0_OrtKFrzrcYXbP1kScUiLkC7wGepG5Da4bPBXb0zsk8jCkC_l1_V1oaiV4X3o0XIieVaC0K7j6K/s320/IMG_5311.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729555683438159218" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Windows.</span> There are so many decorative uses for old window frames. When we were finishing our basement we ripped out a couple old windows, original to the house (1929). I turned it into a great wall hanging for Eden's room. <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.robomargo.com/windows.html">This</a> website has many many more and mostly awesome ideas for windows.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Mason Jars</span>. I may have mentioned my love for mason jars <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://linedrawings-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/02/im-always-looking-for-quick-weekend.html">once</a> or <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://linedrawings-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/03/9-diy-gifts.html">twice</a>. There is just so many decorative things you can do with them: candle holding, kitchen organizing, herb growing, light giving, and they are so cheap!<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Crates</span>. I have wooden crates all over my house for extra kitchen shelving, toy boxes, and craft <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gdsSkn42wXNG3AlgmQ5CsXghukNMC249YaPRvBWfnxruEEgIwDnohWp_UkfmAk0gPGRPor5qhAW3u4pddWGtg_ZNY145360Xg6JOKJlao8LkkJhABVRDECdvO_kD0p5nLpWevnH3oPLb/s1600/IMG_5353.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 336px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gdsSkn42wXNG3AlgmQ5CsXghukNMC249YaPRvBWfnxruEEgIwDnohWp_UkfmAk0gPGRPor5qhAW3u4pddWGtg_ZNY145360Xg6JOKJlao8LkkJhABVRDECdvO_kD0p5nLpWevnH3oPLb/s320/IMG_5353.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729558945622598962" border="0" /></a>storage, etc . I like the look and their dual purpose of accent and use.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fabric</span>. There are all kinds of way to display fabric and liven up the walls. I have seen people use embroidery hoops to hang fabric like <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=qmR&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1128&bih=449&tbm=isch&tbnid=6t-q2zVr45CX_M:&imgrefurl=http://busstop.typepad.com/blog/2007/07/swatch-portrait.html&docid=xMggi1cJABSyXM&imgurl=http://busstop.typepad.com/blog/images/2007/07/13/swatchportraits2.jpg&w=300&h=364&ei=IZiDT4i8NIO8iwL_qIzSBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=250&vpy=56&dur=110&hovh=247&hovw=204&tx=95&ty=137&sig=113712241718350031818&page=1&tbnh=120&tbnw=99&start=0&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:72">here</a>. So simple and easy it may just have to be one of my next projects<br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-71878634410071690212012-04-05T20:37:00.005-07:002012-05-05T15:37:51.031-07:00baby leg warmers<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
A free crochet pattern!</div>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoud1SA-paIzGeSzIX4cmkK6I_P2lG-BXTJ2gisJ3hjhJkeyQaiI7sHev6kHh7lBnakgXXQ1SeCSNrFjbf7bFZUV6W3SD90wublA9w2phk8Pgm-4nL7Hl3lMjBeJuXgkKmOxC8TQQvp37/s1600/IMG_4970.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726664610900480242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoud1SA-paIzGeSzIX4cmkK6I_P2lG-BXTJ2gisJ3hjhJkeyQaiI7sHev6kHh7lBnakgXXQ1SeCSNrFjbf7bFZUV6W3SD90wublA9w2phk8Pgm-4nL7Hl3lMjBeJuXgkKmOxC8TQQvp37/s320/IMG_4970.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 588px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 394px;" /></a>I made these leg warmers shortly before Eden was born. At that time I wasn't sure how big babies legs were so I estimated a size that would hopefully work for several months. This pattern I came up with should work for a baby 3-9 months, but I won't know for certain for another 6 months.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Materials:</span><br />
Less than 1 skein each of color 1 (brown) and color 2 (white) Lion Brand Cotton Ease yarn<br />
USH8/5.00 mm crochet hook<br />
USE4/3.5 mm crochet hook<br />
yarn needle<br />
scissors<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Abbreviations</span><br />
Ch: chain<br />
Sc: single crochet<br />
Ss: slip stitch<br />
St(s): stitch(es)</div>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Baby Leg Warmer</span> (make 2)<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
with crochet hook H8<br />
Starting with color 1 chain 30. Join with Ss to join into a circle.<br />
Round 1. Sc into second Ch from hook. Sc into each of the next 28 chains. Join on top of first stitch with Ss. Chain 1. Turn.<br />
Round 2. Sc is 2nd chain from hook. Sc 28. Join with Ss. Chain 1. Turn.<br />
Round 3. Repeat round 2<br />
<br />
Change yarn to colors 2<br />
<br />
Round 4 - 19. Repeat round 2.<br />
<br />
Change yarn back to color 1<br />
<br />
Round 20. Sc in second Ch from hook. Sc 28. Join on top of first stitch with Sc.<br />
Round 21: Ss 28 . Join.<br />
<br />
With a yarn needle weave in all the loose ends.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaUjsQGsOpHNM4ZunoF7JssQ7JknGFx_ScJ1GVYGcWEIXvEaNr6Bg_WBbhuRMnueirHz6aMXYNH-2ReY2dQpoR9qtOAcesVvv97NlHz6vd0F9uOoSjqscmKRfIL4H-o6GDtDIQyMXDIZD/s1600/IMG_4987.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726663380898653170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaUjsQGsOpHNM4ZunoF7JssQ7JknGFx_ScJ1GVYGcWEIXvEaNr6Bg_WBbhuRMnueirHz6aMXYNH-2ReY2dQpoR9qtOAcesVvv97NlHz6vd0F9uOoSjqscmKRfIL4H-o6GDtDIQyMXDIZD/s320/IMG_4987.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 569px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 381px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Crochet Rings</span></div>
<div>
With crochet hook E4</div>
<div>
In Color 1 make 6 rings total.<br />
Small (make 2): chain 6. Work 12 Sc into circle. Join with Ss.<br />
Medium (make 22): chain 8. Work 16 Sc in circle. Join with Ss.<br />
Large (make 2): chain 10. Work 20 Sc in circle. Join with Ss.<br />
Weave in the ends.<br />
<br />
Arrange onto leg warmer however you desire and attach with a yarn needle.<br />
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkBtPSNnhZMWyd2SLcp4pjygl-vsr221hPvpBqer-MQKGyedwRw681zY4FcYY7GjJfCaYOLK-jsfpxBME2OY5Ynjra6dAoEwgbcuDD3sHgs44L4F1RwMPBABAtajOMx21Ok2K7gyjyRrx/s1600/IMG_4986.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726663018185068850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkBtPSNnhZMWyd2SLcp4pjygl-vsr221hPvpBqer-MQKGyedwRw681zY4FcYY7GjJfCaYOLK-jsfpxBME2OY5Ynjra6dAoEwgbcuDD3sHgs44L4F1RwMPBABAtajOMx21Ok2K7gyjyRrx/s320/IMG_4986.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 553px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 370px;" /></a>Many thanks to baby Eden for modeling her new leg warmers.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnRASj7elFW73h7G4uWwILJ1z2BgCMbJoBxwyo7p3lq_k-KEH3HklU-bYvgh4FtNt04YGBUJVHrO3K8tef4159zrdMAFDQI0Z8mSyvZJYVqiE1iHlgLgLsvqm4JSsO4IBBcBbvFBAFPAV/s1600/IMG_4949.JPG" style="font-weight: normal;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726664107721342306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnRASj7elFW73h7G4uWwILJ1z2BgCMbJoBxwyo7p3lq_k-KEH3HklU-bYvgh4FtNt04YGBUJVHrO3K8tef4159zrdMAFDQI0Z8mSyvZJYVqiE1iHlgLgLsvqm4JSsO4IBBcBbvFBAFPAV/s320/IMG_4949.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 325px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 490px;" /></a></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-86619848504635282462012-04-03T12:36:00.003-07:002012-04-18T20:52:35.333-07:00strawberry banana parfaits<div class="post-header"> </div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb0juTLwxEWgn5MccEeci1OH8a0s4O_1BspK6-yx9LkVJWh3OgWLXPJVmOt1uGo9Q3OnPCFIIz6z7rx9_8uvRZZyKzEzCgFvurTg1EzyO-WvpneCjwzCZZgVzvouB474t4gvZlyi83jhE/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinb0juTLwxEWgn5MccEeci1OH8a0s4O_1BspK6-yx9LkVJWh3OgWLXPJVmOt1uGo9Q3OnPCFIIz6z7rx9_8uvRZZyKzEzCgFvurTg1EzyO-WvpneCjwzCZZgVzvouB474t4gvZlyi83jhE/s320/IMG_5080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726656213785116050" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaxETOhtkUFDaFpnAULXM9kpShg6or150saWs3g-8J5TgtIMlJHiJ_EN_Xsyryl89c2l4cpuKJ_6j7E3iOuzg-z_kB5-vfPef32_J2AJ3DnO-k_HhxiagTYy8MrTEoDyl_j1Ckx_ZWNlb/s1600/IMG_5017.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 246px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBaxETOhtkUFDaFpnAULXM9kpShg6or150saWs3g-8J5TgtIMlJHiJ_EN_Xsyryl89c2l4cpuKJ_6j7E3iOuzg-z_kB5-vfPef32_J2AJ3DnO-k_HhxiagTYy8MrTEoDyl_j1Ckx_ZWNlb/s320/IMG_5017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726655782379005490" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strawberry Banana Parfaits</span><br />vegan and soy-free<br /><br />My family gathers several times a year to celebrate clusters of birthday. This weekend we got together for three birthdays and I made the dessert. Ever since my fantastic birthday dinner at Portobello and their amazing tiramisu with cashew marscapone I had been eager to experiment more with cashews. The result: a creamy, fluffy, and very rich mousse I am extremely excited to share as part of my birthday parfait recipe.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Components</span><br /><br />Chocolate Brownie Cake Chocolate Mousse<br />Strawberries<br />Bananas<br />Coconut Whipped Cream<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Brownie Cake</span><br /><br />This is a delicious blend between a cake and a brownie: rich, moist, and super chocolatey. This is probably the easiest cake recipe I've ever seen and takes no more than ten minutes to assemble.<br /><br />1 1/4 cup flour<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1/3 cup cocoa<br />1/2 tsp salt<br /><br />1 cup warm water<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/3 cup canola oil<br />1 tsp apple cider vinegar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Preheat the oven to 350. Lightly oil a 9'' cake pan or 8x8 square dish. Mix together the first five ingredients until well combined. In a measuring cup combine the wet ingredients and pour into the dry. Mix together until smooth, but do not over-mix. Small chunks are okay; the batter should look something like this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWKjibElMr_uixI5-2Oh4x2DMK3HwovxCGp89aMg3HFkuRINoMuVDLKOMc769urBpikDTVAoU-7us0aSephZpuoyTq94n5YbEQOFqk3AaiAawBiHCPzK__RIq9oqN9BW6q-zJsMEwXRmH/s1600/IMG_4874.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 497px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWKjibElMr_uixI5-2Oh4x2DMK3HwovxCGp89aMg3HFkuRINoMuVDLKOMc769urBpikDTVAoU-7us0aSephZpuoyTq94n5YbEQOFqk3AaiAawBiHCPzK__RIq9oqN9BW6q-zJsMEwXRmH/s320/IMG_4874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726645141905640242" border="0" /></a>Place in oven and bake about 20 minutes, until knife comes out clean in the center.<br />Set aside to cool.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Mousse</span><br /><br />This recipe follows a classic chocolate mousse that is made up of three components: whipped eggs and sugar, melted chocolate, and whipped cream. After some experimenting and reading I came up with this vegan version of the classic mousse.<br /><br />1 cup cashews, soaked overnight<br />1 cup water<br />1/4 cup sugar<br /><br />12 oz chocolate, melted<br /><br />2 cans coconut milk, chilled overnight<br />1/3 cup powdered sugar<br />2 tsp vanilla extract or 2 vanilla beans<br /><br />Place cashews in a bowl and add 1 cups water.<br />Let the cashews soak in the water overnight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPMy2f_Pbys5AYdY3cTcmMWNCvQsyHGBV6uH5syBcRh72G9NStsIqsdufhkQ49Y3SQ-AwT45lpEhBvbKp6d0jQRSEbMzpa8s54JtytP5sNL1zGbOGrE6fGkMO49h7e2JCK4ey3Gh9OWrN/s1600/IMG_4847.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 521px; height: 345px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoPMy2f_Pbys5AYdY3cTcmMWNCvQsyHGBV6uH5syBcRh72G9NStsIqsdufhkQ49Y3SQ-AwT45lpEhBvbKp6d0jQRSEbMzpa8s54JtytP5sNL1zGbOGrE6fGkMO49h7e2JCK4ey3Gh9OWrN/s320/IMG_4847.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726219617965802610" border="0" /></a><br />Once ready blend the cashews, water, and sugar in a food processor for a looooong time until mixture is smooth and thick.<br /><br />Meanwhile melt the chocolate on a double boiler, stirring occasionally.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z_NSNfysFw40lnx9FyIfmBEyvGAH2DG4L184hpCeG2HzaQ0Rb1PLQIYpk6r3fTbj-6Y0z2_hEE1n56wfpQI8cE4DXLiYRkyxfSEDdu45cYE4e3dTTR6X2d0E8wLgh61xvjoIbs3BpJkN/s1600/IMG_4926.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 527px; height: 351px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Z_NSNfysFw40lnx9FyIfmBEyvGAH2DG4L184hpCeG2HzaQ0Rb1PLQIYpk6r3fTbj-6Y0z2_hEE1n56wfpQI8cE4DXLiYRkyxfSEDdu45cYE4e3dTTR6X2d0E8wLgh61xvjoIbs3BpJkN/s320/IMG_4926.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726645526381879698" border="0" /></a>Once chocolate is melted scrape into large bowl. Fold in the completely smooth cashew mixture until well combined. Let cool to room temperature.<br /><br />While chocolate cashew mixture is cooling, open the two cans of chilled coconut milk and scrape out the fatty solids on the top (about half the can). Place in a bowl with sugar and vanilla extract and blend with a hand mixture until the coconut milk is the texture of whipped cream.<br /><br />Fold in the whipped cream to the now cooled chocolate mixture. Place in a airtight contain and let set up in the fridge.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69QdzdvDwY8HmPG116KsCRAK9tCrJHUARO1uCGt8W2tJzPhy5wOwfV6VL-t_kEfm-zGQLx0R_iZfHbpBdlKFRzv8xj4TLZvelR3yP1J_ixlqSY0MY0GI9ic-ufbK6snwXF1r2Io6I8eKh/s1600/IMG_5018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 537px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg69QdzdvDwY8HmPG116KsCRAK9tCrJHUARO1uCGt8W2tJzPhy5wOwfV6VL-t_kEfm-zGQLx0R_iZfHbpBdlKFRzv8xj4TLZvelR3yP1J_ixlqSY0MY0GI9ic-ufbK6snwXF1r2Io6I8eKh/s320/IMG_5018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726647800384977378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coconut Whipped Cream</span><br /><br />1 can coconut milk, chilled overnight<br />3 TBSP powdered sugar<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ouB1IT9B5MOWT0Lq7JCpworykTvRpkx0f1gY5g4ORuMQq4BwZ9tgfov2NCBJezPCMj1Oisc3wHCrj1bLAQvdkyvxhcOZxmu_FOAEGSJ3erqr9t3L9evdQFdlt8YSc6K-XClc55UfAmr9/s1600/IMG_4931.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 539px; height: 359px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ouB1IT9B5MOWT0Lq7JCpworykTvRpkx0f1gY5g4ORuMQq4BwZ9tgfov2NCBJezPCMj1Oisc3wHCrj1bLAQvdkyvxhcOZxmu_FOAEGSJ3erqr9t3L9evdQFdlt8YSc6K-XClc55UfAmr9/s320/IMG_4931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726645868245210786" border="0" /></a>Blend together as done for mousse.<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Strawberries and Bananas</span><br /><br />Slice 2 bananas and 1/2 pint strawberries.<br />Place strawberries in bowl and mix with two tablespoons of sugar to bring out the moisture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6eGOKRqYFDjrmD8LpXj_6DXsQd-BhVgb3wk_mPJlFB4rldcOUuKdc9TwDlcS786eArm4jRPCR1O7cbHyn2d7lXUMUwLzqN1zmQv2HCPkXXjrYg5U6cseNzQcNuUQQBvZ8jLUHhjXpfAy/s1600/IMG_4988.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 333px; height: 421px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6eGOKRqYFDjrmD8LpXj_6DXsQd-BhVgb3wk_mPJlFB4rldcOUuKdc9TwDlcS786eArm4jRPCR1O7cbHyn2d7lXUMUwLzqN1zmQv2HCPkXXjrYg5U6cseNzQcNuUQQBvZ8jLUHhjXpfAy/s320/IMG_4988.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726646382167789362" border="0" /></a>To assemble parfaits:<br />cut one inch chunks from cooled cake and place 3-4 at the bottom of the glass.<br />Top with several sliced strawberries.<br />Cover with 3-4 TBSP mousse.<br />Repeat, this time with bananas.<br />Pipe or spoon on the whipped cream and top with a strawberry.<br />Serve chilled.<br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-xXjZMEaFglUUfjZ1lkxfG_mE-ASlkqZP4Ep449BLE4y89SkHBzfnzyRthtjE08nLCbNtIisnnu2CzU9NvAhklpeFLdN4uV-mByBSmXEG3nqtOYQeZ-s2bTg9uH-3hDiLQAJ31mReTJD/s1600/IMG_5056.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 508px; height: 339px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-xXjZMEaFglUUfjZ1lkxfG_mE-ASlkqZP4Ep449BLE4y89SkHBzfnzyRthtjE08nLCbNtIisnnu2CzU9NvAhklpeFLdN4uV-mByBSmXEG3nqtOYQeZ-s2bTg9uH-3hDiLQAJ31mReTJD/s320/IMG_5056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726661273251346546" border="0" /></a></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-37328695338859152192012-03-31T10:06:00.014-07:002012-04-18T21:00:24.116-07:009 diy giftsSeveral years ago I made a commitment to only give handmade gifts, both because it forces me to be creative and I believe it is a responsible way to care for our environment and people around the world by limiting our consumer's desire. While I have not been entirely successful I keep making the effort, and as birthdays and baby showers and housewarmings give me a lot opportunity to celebrate and give, I figured I ought to dedicate a list to gifts and hopefully it will keep me inspired (and some of you) to give creatively and generously.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_RAaBBM6cVv17XvYEDo8tltl0P-1LdmvQWoNTpEK4nog_IjrbJgSa1-vzO40xjjCE7sqte7KBVtgGF91W_uEPdg7Rx1Au_fb2AeSPmzGpwdVWMx2cQMrgJP2OmrxkIstDyC_ogTzc0Nm/s1600/IMG_5095.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 224px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_RAaBBM6cVv17XvYEDo8tltl0P-1LdmvQWoNTpEK4nog_IjrbJgSa1-vzO40xjjCE7sqte7KBVtgGF91W_uEPdg7Rx1Au_fb2AeSPmzGpwdVWMx2cQMrgJP2OmrxkIstDyC_ogTzc0Nm/s320/IMG_5095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726574568060772610" border="0" /></a>1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Knit hat and scarf. </span>Last Christmas I made three scarves and Jason made three hats for our three nieces. We used yarn lying around the house and only the most basic knitting skills to complete these cute combos.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gift Baskets. </span>Always an occasion and with endless themes, a gift basket always makes a nice gift whether it's a celebration for a baby, a new parent, a housewarming, or a valentines special. <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://read-deborah.suite101.com/doityourself-gift-baskets-for-all-occasions-a134179">Here</a> is a good website I found with several different basket ideas.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Truffles</span>. If I'm not making candy in my kitchen in December it just does not feel like Christmas. Over the past five years I have been working on my vegan truffle recipes and gifting them around holidays. I am planning on making them available for sale next Christmas season.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Napkins and Placemats.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAY2-Naa0MS7mBr8mYOW9W5jaNiGEkqKAa2NWwPfprVZ6v6y3I6anequHUj0s5WC6Wh1xIJGLWfKwHj1mfnRnbqCigqQT3XX9fa_O4ngmCyPMETheu_-5OUOm2d89RSuVx5SSuoao8Z5g/s1600/IMG_5104.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAY2-Naa0MS7mBr8mYOW9W5jaNiGEkqKAa2NWwPfprVZ6v6y3I6anequHUj0s5WC6Wh1xIJGLWfKwHj1mfnRnbqCigqQT3XX9fa_O4ngmCyPMETheu_-5OUOm2d89RSuVx5SSuoao8Z5g/s320/IMG_5104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726575018438800370" border="0" /></a> A simple sewing pattern, scratch fabric, and such a wonderful housewarming or wedding gift. I have made a handful of these sets over the years but yet to have two matching napkins in my own house.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Homemade Meal</span>. I enjoy gifting my parents with homemade feasts highlighting different countries of the world. I thoroughly love the process of the gift as well as the opportunity to spend time with my folks.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ba</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc5BnU3k8hQm-SRT0c9Q_7t6FxdL_cU2nFV6XsxkNiEwWdd22dgLhqjhUnPwcrIFWKqg545PyUVlYxAZ0WQ-WqrzJfnotYKFNdgdERffWHYUrj1eTqS5tDEccwQ4JsbSLKOUjQ8Ng24lA/s1600/IMG_4849.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMc5BnU3k8hQm-SRT0c9Q_7t6FxdL_cU2nFV6XsxkNiEwWdd22dgLhqjhUnPwcrIFWKqg545PyUVlYxAZ0WQ-WqrzJfnotYKFNdgdERffWHYUrj1eTqS5tDEccwQ4JsbSLKOUjQ8Ng24lA/s320/IMG_4849.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726883596715646322" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">th Products.</span> A great gift for a new mother or newly pregnant woman, there are all kinds of recipes for bath salts, scrubs, lotions, bubbles, and soaps.<br /><br />7<span style="font-weight: bold;">.Mason Jars.</span> I got this idea of pinterest from <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/jar-homemade-gifts/">this</a> website.There is such a variety of things that fit into a mason jar, <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.tipjunkie.com/jar-homemade-gifts/">check it out</a>. And after all the goods are consumed, the receiver has mason jars and has the possibility to continue the cycle of gifts in a jar.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Recipe B</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ook.</span> Early on when I went vegan I went through a cookbook addiction where I bought unnecessary amounts of cookbooks and studied <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg-6qbttt_rKyLMd3u2TLw_8cd04nQe_WTHYanzh5u9gA9svib-iwr5Blv9cqlWlNWJgl9dn_gvru1SgkhjWnEAxjVGdRI3EP3Qgul3bNMYVcXZUT8a0NhvC2HWnSVMPUke8_fIZ52u2-/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNg-6qbttt_rKyLMd3u2TLw_8cd04nQe_WTHYanzh5u9gA9svib-iwr5Blv9cqlWlNWJgl9dn_gvru1SgkhjWnEAxjVGdRI3EP3Qgul3bNMYVcXZUT8a0NhvC2HWnSVMPUke8_fIZ52u2-/s320/IMG_5063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726887086720352770" border="0" /></a>them. Pretty soon I wanted to start sharing all the amazing recipes I was finding, so I started making recipe boxes for my friends and family.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Coupons. </span>Everyone one loves a coupons packet. Back rubs, babysitting, date night, etc. When in doubt, make a coupon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCCSU10V7Pmwco8BR_SAfDNYeKF3qwkIxxDelU6kpMhscsfogs0M0sWJgAM9wfDUkDAzGzAGmGsyjdQzRh0I3osvD4Y5Wig_xclez5OT05aU411Lr3Dl7keM8ecHew5gzL96uSEN87T2d/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG"></a>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-12951194859082225142012-03-31T09:26:00.006-07:002012-04-18T20:51:00.669-07:00Eden Mae<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cdQNb2B_zV0A_S0-tXSqbDmCDWyGVfbRurNX3obb-tHefPB5k7nXlUILXNFT6i_4d3mjTqoimsF7mzmA2ZcRhFVWFeBXIiy1oRjWICky2DaiRyoEXq3PXohbv4rYFsbN1Rh2W83wt0-H/s1600/IMG_4635.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 358px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-cdQNb2B_zV0A_S0-tXSqbDmCDWyGVfbRurNX3obb-tHefPB5k7nXlUILXNFT6i_4d3mjTqoimsF7mzmA2ZcRhFVWFeBXIiy1oRjWICky2DaiRyoEXq3PXohbv4rYFsbN1Rh2W83wt0-H/s320/IMG_4635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726098768103996818" border="0" /></a>It is hard to remember life before Eden Mae. In the past two months my time, focus, and priorities have shifted so dramatically and this new life shadows over the memories of a time before.<br /><br />Early in labor I shared with my mom my fears of the impending change. I did not feel ready for the selflessness required to love and parent a child. I did not feel rested in preparation for the sleeplessness that spanned ahead. I did not feel like I had any more room to adopt a new identity as mother, for I had been myself in one particular way for so long.<br /><br />After two months of reflection I realize it was Eden that I needed for so long. She has taught me how to be a parent; how to love selflessly while making room for an identity that fulfills rather than depletes me. In return I am given the chance to see the world anew, with a childish wonder, through a fresh pair of eyes.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-36636032926970128462012-03-28T11:27:00.005-07:002012-04-18T20:50:25.968-07:00tacos sin carne<div style="text-align: center;">Remember the other day when I <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://linedrawings-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/03/9-simple-vegan-substitutions.html">mentioned </a>how delicious Textured Vegetable Protein is as a replacement for ground beef? I may have even said that many of my meat-eating friends <span style="font-style: italic;">prefer </span>my tacos sin carne. Want to try it for yourself? Here's my incredible easy, surprisingly fast, and totally flexible taco recipe:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tacos Sin Carne</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">the meat</span><br />1 cup dried textured vegetable protein<br />1/2 yellow onion<br />1 cup diced or crushed tomatoes, optional<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">the seasoning </span><br />2 Tbsp chili powder<br />1/2 t garlic powder<br />1/2 t onion powder<br />1/2 t cayenne pepper<br />1/2 t oregano<br />1 t paprika<br />1 Tbsp cumin<br />salt and pepper to taste<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">the rest</span><br />lettuce<br />tomatoes<br />salsa<br />and<br />any other toppings you love<br />taco shells or tortillas<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Textured Vegetable Protein "Ground Beef"</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfyNaXbSGdhHiOi9eYlWppkVaTs_De5fpUirZI1TUqwX_Vt5ieKmj1WwxY8_LaXfhaqyDMYu2AwJVf1WNNt8hp2C-YPTWugfcnV7QT-csGzZV0ez2P6cs4r6k0PPZsMO91dpBpnRF542B/s1600/IMG_4701.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfyNaXbSGdhHiOi9eYlWppkVaTs_De5fpUirZI1TUqwX_Vt5ieKmj1WwxY8_LaXfhaqyDMYu2AwJVf1WNNt8hp2C-YPTWugfcnV7QT-csGzZV0ez2P6cs4r6k0PPZsMO91dpBpnRF542B/s320/IMG_4701.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724662307784931570" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), a protein-rich meat substitute made from soy flour, can be found at health stores or in larger supermarkets, usually in the bulk section. When ready to use TVP needs to be re-hydrated at a 1:1 ratio. To do this place 1 part TVP in bowl and cover with 1 part boiling water. Place lid on bowl and let sit for five minutes.<br /><br />While the TVP is re-hydrating, heat up 1 TBSP oil in a pan. Once hot add onion and saute, stirring often, until lightly brown.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlb2lsTfKinwGFtMFAh4A_zP71n9B76fHh2LOKsd3a4GP_TCxrNtnoLFukLNe1ATToviwQs_5kmydzqSS8xFNZ7ckz7EcCVKoT35qNoqW2jAnMGTpy4wCJDXwYUNvNHEHHpSXg7cu4UKX/s1600/IMG_4731.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlb2lsTfKinwGFtMFAh4A_zP71n9B76fHh2LOKsd3a4GP_TCxrNtnoLFukLNe1ATToviwQs_5kmydzqSS8xFNZ7ckz7EcCVKoT35qNoqW2jAnMGTpy4wCJDXwYUNvNHEHHpSXg7cu4UKX/s320/IMG_4731.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724655559174895154" border="0" /></a><br />Once onions are ready add chili , garlic, and onion powder, cayenne, oregano, paprika, ans cumin.<br />Stir to coat onion.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2itGX97jFVgnCACZ6iSwFObhRcurXWqQiKOC1ZqzeWmPxUZpapvs5QDKyli-2j63NiAX2P5MQycNSJm6V25AKElwH_gzmsAPJ-feP6b66afy_ZNCTYjEiry4NAvfAurh64zy8aTO4FoO/s1600/tao.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 364px; height: 364px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2itGX97jFVgnCACZ6iSwFObhRcurXWqQiKOC1ZqzeWmPxUZpapvs5QDKyli-2j63NiAX2P5MQycNSJm6V25AKElwH_gzmsAPJ-feP6b66afy_ZNCTYjEiry4NAvfAurh64zy8aTO4FoO/s320/tao.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725015255898520034" border="0" /></a>Add tomatoes. I just use whatever is in my pantry, usually diced tomatoes, and add to taste. The tomatoes add juiciness and flavor but could be omitted all together, in which case add a little extra water when adding tvp to onion mixture.<br /><br />Add tvp and stir until combined. Let sit simmer for 5 minutes for flavors to soak in.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrLhIrYqjVFrIpcpHPvJMS_YNL1XEGjW-B_Mjy99RX-tW92JrzD1VXbpxZgUHf0kIqdK6WxLOSkA7MFG-ShXlTgRVY8kevccUI6dpXSFZ7X335unDao1vE2o6wbZftmtjJAXkuHIEdMcF/s1600/IMG_4737.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrLhIrYqjVFrIpcpHPvJMS_YNL1XEGjW-B_Mjy99RX-tW92JrzD1VXbpxZgUHf0kIqdK6WxLOSkA7MFG-ShXlTgRVY8kevccUI6dpXSFZ7X335unDao1vE2o6wbZftmtjJAXkuHIEdMcF/s320/IMG_4737.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724655253817790914" border="0" /></a><br />Prepare your toppings. Below and clockwise I have lime chive sour "cream" (I prefer Follow Your Heart), spinach, avocado, tomatoes, olives, and salsa.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg330sN5CmNR05QeoMD6CwGX5F1JC8pE4YmZvkcUAbI7To1PKfi4RGTi-GT7U3TP7yMGZYgS-7JYEEYhn51NOK8Rzt7U_Xc28kF77G3uWzhi94X7Fq6DzdP_K0cWmHA-m7amnnOeCVeqXXS/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 382px; height: 255px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg330sN5CmNR05QeoMD6CwGX5F1JC8pE4YmZvkcUAbI7To1PKfi4RGTi-GT7U3TP7yMGZYgS-7JYEEYhn51NOK8Rzt7U_Xc28kF77G3uWzhi94X7Fq6DzdP_K0cWmHA-m7amnnOeCVeqXXS/s320/IMG_4718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724654863518728978" border="0" /></a><br />Assemble tacos and enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD0enfNnDYAdF-21IKRJuDyUEvQ6cqa7iz8Du8paGEMM5Fbgr0iprp3ffBASAbLgI4zuTnycbvHyyhIZ9zcS_w3UD3VdIbN5vVV6c7BFLT0c6Uys86EoOj7JTmd92cNYj5SEylRldqVYr/s1600/IMG_4750.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggD0enfNnDYAdF-21IKRJuDyUEvQ6cqa7iz8Du8paGEMM5Fbgr0iprp3ffBASAbLgI4zuTnycbvHyyhIZ9zcS_w3UD3VdIbN5vVV6c7BFLT0c6Uys86EoOj7JTmd92cNYj5SEylRldqVYr/s320/IMG_4750.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724653370976078514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-71334891824515026122012-03-26T11:45:00.018-07:002012-04-18T20:48:48.223-07:009 simple vegan substitutions<div style="text-align: left;">One of the most common questions I am asked as a vegan baker is, "and this is <span style="font-style: italic;">vegan</span>?", which always makes me smile because I try very hard to change the way people think vegan food should taste. Vegan food is not all dry and cardboard-textured and it never has to be. Likewise, there is no need to eat super-processed food if you have a craving for something cheesy or meat-like. There are many things that can be done right at home.<br />Here's a quick list of my favorite substitutions:<br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_bSs3lH7hZCSDBwPd3qm4CfXLhvwDSlJn0drAjimOrcMDHWO09MW5hkC8a_JMhc8AZmZ-3qNK3Eq5pHQUIA3CLFVGXrJEXhvepBcAxoeB4djiDoTY9MxbDWpIITQ08GJbbdl0wrRBIxx/s1600/IMG_4679.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 186px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_bSs3lH7hZCSDBwPd3qm4CfXLhvwDSlJn0drAjimOrcMDHWO09MW5hkC8a_JMhc8AZmZ-3qNK3Eq5pHQUIA3CLFVGXrJEXhvepBcAxoeB4djiDoTY9MxbDWpIITQ08GJbbdl0wrRBIxx/s320/IMG_4679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724299021199214562" border="0" /></a><span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span>1. Because</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Coconut Milk</span> is so rich and fatty, it makes an excellent substitution for heavy cream. The most basic components for a pastry cook, ganache, caramel, or <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2011/09/how-to-make-whipped-coconut-cream-from.html">whipped cream</a> are all improved with coconut milk.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmN7r6SAji5Ju12cDZkLZk37CnWl1ADWB_X776NVYwQ-DeZ0FwLEJTcTlhWJ9UsHXPgLY6PXmC-SA9QfCYI6bwjoT4cm56QwNMK3iBsEdbWUJTcoODprKuX-zL71q2ZTfhZFPpFlg9KkT/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 176px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmN7r6SAji5Ju12cDZkLZk37CnWl1ADWB_X776NVYwQ-DeZ0FwLEJTcTlhWJ9UsHXPgLY6PXmC-SA9QfCYI6bwjoT4cm56QwNMK3iBsEdbWUJTcoODprKuX-zL71q2ZTfhZFPpFlg9KkT/s320/IMG_4681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724300338065281442" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmN7r6SAji5Ju12cDZkLZk37CnWl1ADWB_X776NVYwQ-DeZ0FwLEJTcTlhWJ9UsHXPgLY6PXmC-SA9QfCYI6bwjoT4cm56QwNMK3iBsEdbWUJTcoODprKuX-zL71q2ZTfhZFPpFlg9KkT/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" class=" on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span></a><br />2. Also creamy and fatty<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cashews </span>can be ground and used for many types of non-dairy custards and cheeses. Follow these links to find recipes for <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.vegangela.com/2011/10/15/homemade-vegan-cheese/">hard cheese</a>, <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://marisashealthykitchen.com/2011/03/28/lisa-dawns-vegan-stuffed-shells-with-cashew-ricotta-cheese/">ricotta cheese</a> and <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.loveandlemons.com/2012/01/31/vegan-nachos-cashew-cheese/">nacho cheese</a>. And check next week when I attempt a cashew pastry cream.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTPPBBjSW1f1OXHarhiKpReyotvVre0YXSDaTJCQZ3HZaliAh_nwI7YRPFhzGHH7wqC2pgX_t6BEsbGcSSeoihYlscR1QpdPuqSYJjrPnH6zb88NZPP1CVYhahnAccD6KsgnFMevIAbks/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTPPBBjSW1f1OXHarhiKpReyotvVre0YXSDaTJCQZ3HZaliAh_nwI7YRPFhzGHH7wqC2pgX_t6BEsbGcSSeoihYlscR1QpdPuqSYJjrPnH6zb88NZPP1CVYhahnAccD6KsgnFMevIAbks/s320/IMG_4686.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724303545000163234" border="0" /></a><br />3. The great nutty and cheese flavor of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nutritional Yeast</span> makes it a good substitute for<br />soft cheeses, creamy Alfredo-like sauces, or vegetable gravy. Also a very good source of B12 so vegans, sprinkle that on everything!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfdqigLYKLw1mtw9oadTI_X1W7yUjBBoOmgul9eM8lLFPUoetwSvCKHp0BpixpWVzjqWECgJ7t9Ir3royDuGgS2PokWgUX_wmgGsX3BhyphenhyphenU9sAriFlzowQgROnhML5_B5mfgVsanCxxkQE/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfdqigLYKLw1mtw9oadTI_X1W7yUjBBoOmgul9eM8lLFPUoetwSvCKHp0BpixpWVzjqWECgJ7t9Ir3royDuGgS2PokWgUX_wmgGsX3BhyphenhyphenU9sAriFlzowQgROnhML5_B5mfgVsanCxxkQE/s320/IMG_4689.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724304702363561042" border="0" /></a><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);" class=" down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" class="gl_link" border="0" /></span></span><br />4. It would be hard (not impossible) to be a vegan without <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tofu</span> as I so easily substitutes for such a variety of foods. Depending on the type, tofu can be the invisible firming base in <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://linedrawings-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/03/chocolate-mousse-cake.html">chocolate mousse</a>, the spongy egg in frittata, the meaty substance of a TLT (tofu, lettuce, and tomato), and so so much more. I love you, tofu.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo8M-sup7VOI0pHp8RJZ1cLWJx3UEwfjduR8RBBZffaUEKOdFybDqjwFU3SKkOWd9vGpRkq4q1WVclfhEDsy-7y50OCJeevImbtkdQIesYY8xwOOHYk62l3iR5zYq-2ul-TqR135dYKNe/s1600/flax.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbo8M-sup7VOI0pHp8RJZ1cLWJx3UEwfjduR8RBBZffaUEKOdFybDqjwFU3SKkOWd9vGpRkq4q1WVclfhEDsy-7y50OCJeevImbtkdQIesYY8xwOOHYk62l3iR5zYq-2ul-TqR135dYKNe/s320/flax.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724306846505086418" border="0" /></a><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Flax seeds</span> makes a wonderful egg replacement when baking. For each egg blend 1 tablespoon flax seed with 3 tablespoons water until the mixture is thick with an egg-y consistency. Also a great way to sneak a little health into some chocolate chip pecan cookies.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOg3CbnwulUhGFn8drJuRP5n6n0ibJM5tvWxwDX1LshqAsw6LcfS358mly9QzAoLRnCQ-8_BbrOTQX6Z_QbDbaykCSmXXpeFyQs_cJFPwoDyt36Jn-AIh_0PZTKYNywF6EzTOrIXE6Wgt/s1600/almond.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 194px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOg3CbnwulUhGFn8drJuRP5n6n0ibJM5tvWxwDX1LshqAsw6LcfS358mly9QzAoLRnCQ-8_BbrOTQX6Z_QbDbaykCSmXXpeFyQs_cJFPwoDyt36Jn-AIh_0PZTKYNywF6EzTOrIXE6Wgt/s320/almond.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724310028374420194" border="0" /></a><br />6. How many types of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Non-dairy milk</span> are there? Soy, hemp, oat, hazelnut, almond, rice, coconut...am I forgetting any? No matter the allergies, preferences, or dietary limitations, there is a milk out for everyone. I found a quick, simplified overview of different non-dairy milks and their uses <a href="http://nutritiondiva.quickanddirtytips.com/which-non-dairy-milk-is-best.aspx"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">here</span>.<br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oRLEsngu4tRSJ3dL-XbsbB_r1q2FFhzdA8qJKaLnzPXGbjlRXb3DPBYomcjbgiaRhrwjgPojX1X7yt_dkasCkosmA3q4gE54eOJoiNJG13vR6uwxdveM05srBqhZ3dUEbQ5Md2G5DgbF/s1600/IMG_4693.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oRLEsngu4tRSJ3dL-XbsbB_r1q2FFhzdA8qJKaLnzPXGbjlRXb3DPBYomcjbgiaRhrwjgPojX1X7yt_dkasCkosmA3q4gE54eOJoiNJG13vR6uwxdveM05srBqhZ3dUEbQ5Md2G5DgbF/s320/IMG_4693.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724314011869096594" border="0" /></a><br />7. Try <span style="font-weight: bold;">Texture Vegetable Protein</span> in lieu of ground beef. It tastes so much better (says my meat-eating friends). My favorite way to use TVP is for tacos. Check back later this week when I have my full taco recipe up.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJS0oH_75PmnR5vc5yT5h5Umpsoz0y7DEZzefBvVGRp0l1nQup383AvfQA3xKSUJ7VpOGiClMHCbqeokpuLRwXx7Xyr7m7Yinm55qfFvVpLD1M5txL7W4lZLV2L1Hw_JiDpx5vajWj5_k/s1600/satan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJS0oH_75PmnR5vc5yT5h5Umpsoz0y7DEZzefBvVGRp0l1nQup383AvfQA3xKSUJ7VpOGiClMHCbqeokpuLRwXx7Xyr7m7Yinm55qfFvVpLD1M5txL7W4lZLV2L1Hw_JiDpx5vajWj5_k/s320/satan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724318248462832226" border="0" /></a><br />8. For a soy-free, high protein meat substitute try <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seitan</span>. There are all kinds of ways to prepare this mock-meat. In fact I found an <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://books.google.com/books?id=m4XPdU4g4lkC&pg=PA10&lpg=PA10&dq=uses+for+seitan&source=bl&ots=lf2CoN-xiv&sig=crCXMv8nfXlb0ecxFg3powI-jhQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=vuhwT4iJKImViALb6937DA&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=uses%20for%20seitan&f=false">online cookbook</a> dedicating to the making of and cooking with seitan. Next Thanksgiving I'm making<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.veggienumnum.com/2010/12/baked-seitan-roll-w-sage-date-walnut-stuffing/">this</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3YWwldby7J-cRL80TPGqZs-urRUNaK7TB7HCjJu_W7sq_xxl9SipXCmUvKQHN6pqvFWYEcrz6rN7BBo2W3fdLJ5Nu3F89jDliAzq-lIZJoO9mXY4Iu9r3Lw5WU8e5VXvvvEIZe_O_zWe/s1600/syrup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3YWwldby7J-cRL80TPGqZs-urRUNaK7TB7HCjJu_W7sq_xxl9SipXCmUvKQHN6pqvFWYEcrz6rN7BBo2W3fdLJ5Nu3F89jDliAzq-lIZJoO9mXY4Iu9r3Lw5WU8e5VXvvvEIZe_O_zWe/s320/syrup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724322754174501986" border="0" /></a><br />9. Made from fermented brown rice, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Brown Rice Syrup</span> is a healthful alternative for sugar and honey. It can be replaced for both sweet and savory but must be adjusted in the recipe as it is about two thirds as sweet as white sugar and one third as sweet as honey.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-16468647761418235242012-03-22T13:16:00.002-07:002012-03-22T22:59:06.903-07:00Turning Thirty<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYtaVHP75CngNzpY9B0tDGX58J3K061oLCElL1Vh9QyfGNY4Dm2pc5JqLWaW8pUq-OYNh3BobSV2nbBy3tJxG4c9U-gZw7XY-mf_FzGKiJ9TFrIOTJ9aA1pqjN5u5QBrEAumYWzRujXut/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYtaVHP75CngNzpY9B0tDGX58J3K061oLCElL1Vh9QyfGNY4Dm2pc5JqLWaW8pUq-OYNh3BobSV2nbBy3tJxG4c9U-gZw7XY-mf_FzGKiJ9TFrIOTJ9aA1pqjN5u5QBrEAumYWzRujXut/s320/IMG_4514.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722953670569739490" border="0" /></a>Snow?<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4gghWAy1hZZ-FllfFIhPg0Lv5WSnA2NphY-ydeTFc2EMmCGDkOj7dxZwSF5J0c8_6wMH26NXEQXzbDWNoYkn4upt5o8bNhgJOwnVGsS7mYr9PJujxrMHTjMVPD8IHOhwuYBDNghGQdIp/s1600/photo+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4gghWAy1hZZ-FllfFIhPg0Lv5WSnA2NphY-ydeTFc2EMmCGDkOj7dxZwSF5J0c8_6wMH26NXEQXzbDWNoYkn4upt5o8bNhgJOwnVGsS7mYr9PJujxrMHTjMVPD8IHOhwuYBDNghGQdIp/s320/photo+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722959465768207298" border="0" /></a> Faux Turkey Florentine at<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> </span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.vita-cafe.com/">Vita Cafe</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A1Em5TxmCKMnXzwwpbC7Ac7T3V8gCSABZ1Ys31Uu2Vd8KFiIZe0Tph-XYdaZ2d6n5lmzaZgdaPR_9AyK2V6CleGNB4nwi1k8GihiQ-qKFZcf1RzTSB64Jvou14dZmqaBCZPmowYjc_b9/s1600/IMG_4518.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 207px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A1Em5TxmCKMnXzwwpbC7Ac7T3V8gCSABZ1Ys31Uu2Vd8KFiIZe0Tph-XYdaZ2d6n5lmzaZgdaPR_9AyK2V6CleGNB4nwi1k8GihiQ-qKFZcf1RzTSB64Jvou14dZmqaBCZPmowYjc_b9/s320/IMG_4518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722954089235569218" border="0" /></a> Family Nap<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNFC766grVNteX6EdxRuOVgzFIAZxsoAeT9htdp4l1UNnRau3AG0M5nQCLrALoAA88WvxzVwklzM537SsiYGHALcXWlbG4xCMlP_NblatcWDLhPz0_ifzld5y-3wec1kCFpbGwqQGH5a6/s1600/Chandelarrow_nvbl_05.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNFC766grVNteX6EdxRuOVgzFIAZxsoAeT9htdp4l1UNnRau3AG0M5nQCLrALoAA88WvxzVwklzM537SsiYGHALcXWlbG4xCMlP_NblatcWDLhPz0_ifzld5y-3wec1kCFpbGwqQGH5a6/s320/Chandelarrow_nvbl_05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722962572957765778" border="0" /></a>Present from Jason<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQwcSSGHbf50f1e_IVsKdETTepVOcQwDsFmzOXLE-YS-YcZyJxcNhrjo83naDMP186C2kOeWEjau71E6t0nuqk0pCtAJvzDq2XP8vjApA-4xtoznvwGCbdHAfd8d6YnMCUQ9tRaaL6tRd/s1600/IMG_4527.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQwcSSGHbf50f1e_IVsKdETTepVOcQwDsFmzOXLE-YS-YcZyJxcNhrjo83naDMP186C2kOeWEjau71E6t0nuqk0pCtAJvzDq2XP8vjApA-4xtoznvwGCbdHAfd8d6YnMCUQ9tRaaL6tRd/s320/IMG_4527.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722954483058510626" border="0" /></a>Family walk <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.thearborlodge.com/">to</a>:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwouZR9M1HVROvh19LTk9p9uLD1mv7YEhwUMWQSOMxa61C1T4kQ_KHvsYcTs_SbdIn6v6fgBrQrXGRlAfoum4Xoowh8t6x6MjZGPM0GcjAXTGbsGJ0BgTWhkDO9r1CKVANIlqv_V6bmFH/s1600/photo+3%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 312px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwouZR9M1HVROvh19LTk9p9uLD1mv7YEhwUMWQSOMxa61C1T4kQ_KHvsYcTs_SbdIn6v6fgBrQrXGRlAfoum4Xoowh8t6x6MjZGPM0GcjAXTGbsGJ0BgTWhkDO9r1CKVANIlqv_V6bmFH/s320/photo+3%25281%2529.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722959754442459474" border="0" /></a> for a<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFedkK78wylQb0hcLkJJT_4VQ0xbSpwWEaT-wDBG20UeW2gSJkERXLICc1yRBXD3GXJaadh6h9AqyMKCBAaQRLheUet2HVLA-KKC4CyaRdUhweAKfPyAXtbImF8Zgi91UaM379t9A7oH0/s1600/latte.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 236px; height: 315px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFedkK78wylQb0hcLkJJT_4VQ0xbSpwWEaT-wDBG20UeW2gSJkERXLICc1yRBXD3GXJaadh6h9AqyMKCBAaQRLheUet2HVLA-KKC4CyaRdUhweAKfPyAXtbImF8Zgi91UaM379t9A7oH0/s320/latte.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722963912292081186" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D81V8Qdj1G5FXwx72NnXpYUTtqlFLWlltGUe2ppm47AoiJAEteEFrD2P9hCEx55R3e0REN6P6O-bqjfl1qSq3ECwGYOkhduWn2BRIYlveIW0PuyYoPzGee7jWZCqoXc-4gjJexnHH-qF/s1600/IMG_4537.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D81V8Qdj1G5FXwx72NnXpYUTtqlFLWlltGUe2ppm47AoiJAEteEFrD2P9hCEx55R3e0REN6P6O-bqjfl1qSq3ECwGYOkhduWn2BRIYlveIW0PuyYoPzGee7jWZCqoXc-4gjJexnHH-qF/s320/IMG_4537.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722955168481439858" border="0" /></a>visit from Rae and Junie with flowers and<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fQYnHPqpCHpMB7neX9r212-cA9UnHeMve_l4tqWPHDF3nFqwqSWLBrMwIv46cKtMNqWmUCxdrx9lXMRg_x3nc7_ozRTNsnUsN9id_NJwTYoo_V-NKmVrE60IVDfN673K78tQpA9q_8WM/s1600/IMG_4538.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fQYnHPqpCHpMB7neX9r212-cA9UnHeMve_l4tqWPHDF3nFqwqSWLBrMwIv46cKtMNqWmUCxdrx9lXMRg_x3nc7_ozRTNsnUsN9id_NJwTYoo_V-NKmVrE60IVDfN673K78tQpA9q_8WM/s320/IMG_4538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722964486100449074" border="0" /></a>many surprise birthday wishes from friends and family.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArO0YIU1I910RWKMzLTbflBX-OTeymoVz88kqvexpbNN7qN6kFWn-1sp6HOotxQjWxV6unloX6sQyL9SQG21OnS9iZswTgwZ9VcHaBJ3D5Z7HeFpQP1-cRKyjI-ATRgor7ruvKbhmnHoy/s1600/IMG_4548.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjArO0YIU1I910RWKMzLTbflBX-OTeymoVz88kqvexpbNN7qN6kFWn-1sp6HOotxQjWxV6unloX6sQyL9SQG21OnS9iZswTgwZ9VcHaBJ3D5Z7HeFpQP1-cRKyjI-ATRgor7ruvKbhmnHoy/s320/IMG_4548.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722964903440111938" border="0" /></a>mushroom gnocchi and<br /><br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36MzFoOxANFJfjasFDIwVBwXQUzd_g1DNqUk7AweOlk4a19CFFXs8qZKmdzwEAC_shLfy9yc8de5srCgsOIH7S9yhsZUJ6EzeSEI3oSY4Puj4KB9si6hyphenhyphenlQDankJIJo80TBSv-yHKcq0e/s1600/IMG_4550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36MzFoOxANFJfjasFDIwVBwXQUzd_g1DNqUk7AweOlk4a19CFFXs8qZKmdzwEAC_shLfy9yc8de5srCgsOIH7S9yhsZUJ6EzeSEI3oSY4Puj4KB9si6hyphenhyphenlQDankJIJo80TBSv-yHKcq0e/s320/IMG_4550.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722955962068612722" border="0" /></a>and the best vegan tiramisu from <a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://portobellopdx.com/wordpress/">Portobello </a><br /><br />Thanks everyone for making my day special!<br /><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://portobellopdx.com/wordpress/"></a></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-65435573178682116812012-03-21T14:53:00.010-07:002012-04-18T20:47:54.167-07:00a gift for me<div style="text-align: center;">In the rare moments when both hands are free I have created<br />a little space for creativity. Among my different crafting boards on Pinterest,<br />I pulled up this 'someday' project:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1temTDkjSO1t5waYiCPlTYKkP80QWAHFvcI6wyhWgP-T5dXS8ZsNA9j5u-VAJ2UNWZC7OyeNM7Yoa6JCWugUGkyeJmbVzMH9oeUoZwRMIjN-rzmekGSFasN03mqETWnC3DaM3hbZeAwr/s1600/scarf.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1temTDkjSO1t5waYiCPlTYKkP80QWAHFvcI6wyhWgP-T5dXS8ZsNA9j5u-VAJ2UNWZC7OyeNM7Yoa6JCWugUGkyeJmbVzMH9oeUoZwRMIjN-rzmekGSFasN03mqETWnC3DaM3hbZeAwr/s320/scarf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722472955345108850" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1temTDkjSO1t5waYiCPlTYKkP80QWAHFvcI6wyhWgP-T5dXS8ZsNA9j5u-VAJ2UNWZC7OyeNM7Yoa6JCWugUGkyeJmbVzMH9oeUoZwRMIjN-rzmekGSFasN03mqETWnC3DaM3hbZeAwr/s1600/scarf.jpg"> </a>I would place the pattern on an intermediate skill level.<br />The project is fast, versatile, and for five dollars you can buy the pattern <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/triangle-cowl">here</a>.<br /><br />I currently have a goal to finish all my yarn before buying anything new,<br />so I am crocheting with Rowan Cotton Glace, 4 ply.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMCAMy96Id7b3EnmD67pP9eHjOkcnor_FV29QAzu_MOfkicB92LYnDmunpEubMC2Bbg7f7rgJwJQJslP7vsJ7KbWwgUQjew8GDGJiUToBFh-JVjhKhiJcUDn0adeAsjLOnNVuzqJkG6oR/s1600/glace.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMCAMy96Id7b3EnmD67pP9eHjOkcnor_FV29QAzu_MOfkicB92LYnDmunpEubMC2Bbg7f7rgJwJQJslP7vsJ7KbWwgUQjew8GDGJiUToBFh-JVjhKhiJcUDn0adeAsjLOnNVuzqJkG6oR/s320/glace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722474351739858418" border="0" /></a><br />The whole cowl/scarf can be done with two skeins of this yarn.<br /><br />Uninterrupted this project could be done during a two night "Breaking Bad" marathon or one rainy day. With infant child, it takes longer. I still have a few rows to crochet before I put on the finishing touches. At this point I feel pretty good about my gift to myself.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeIgyMpqectLCM0azipmvrZHic7Q1H9L3rlaIv-uahUr0o3WXC0mfEIjdf3jv8mjE5-4tc6dQw-s0rvVbTPHfA2p2wo4TO99LQP3ETcqFGDk13c0R8L749l247VM2vbUUoE1fLPpZsWXQ/s1600/IMG_4481.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeIgyMpqectLCM0azipmvrZHic7Q1H9L3rlaIv-uahUr0o3WXC0mfEIjdf3jv8mjE5-4tc6dQw-s0rvVbTPHfA2p2wo4TO99LQP3ETcqFGDk13c0R8L749l247VM2vbUUoE1fLPpZsWXQ/s320/IMG_4481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722476347236855666" border="0" /></a><br />I am only one more Blazers loss away from completion.<br /></div>sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-85347114316951388892012-03-20T18:41:00.007-07:002012-04-18T20:47:13.804-07:009 hopes for my 30sIf I've learned anything from my twenties it is that life is unpredictable. But it doesn't hurt to have dreams, right?<br /><br />1.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Have a second child.</span> It is a bit crazy that I'm already thinking about this, but I do want one more chance to grow and birth a child.<br /><br />2.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> I</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">ntern</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXJATNiCSGvo_rGetnaIbWogyQ5hblcg8_PC2fvWhTGxwVUsi6xXjZjmgrNBvBtl9_DwaJHrE59YROKdc_eMa1I-QnacvqfqQZV6Zl1eSuoHvtXzmvJWPCNFHocy9P7PPmARGX6a9QWZL/s1600/InternationalTravelUSAPassportGSBB.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 131px; height: 168px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXJATNiCSGvo_rGetnaIbWogyQ5hblcg8_PC2fvWhTGxwVUsi6xXjZjmgrNBvBtl9_DwaJHrE59YROKdc_eMa1I-QnacvqfqQZV6Zl1eSuoHvtXzmvJWPCNFHocy9P7PPmARGX6a9QWZL/s320/InternationalTravelUSAPassportGSBB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722149650057209922" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">ational trave</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">l</span>. With Jason's job we will have several opportunities for travel in Africa. I also plan on traveling around the U.K. this decade as it is where most my roots begin.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Publish my cookbook. </span>I am hoping that a decade is long enough to teach me enough discipline so that I can translate my love for food and photography into a tangible collection.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Write a memoir</span>. My story of the last 15 months is one I will never to forget. I was changed so dramatically in the most unexpected and unplanned ways. For nothing other than a written record, I must find the time to put it down in words.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Read my classics</span> <a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;" href="http://linedrawings-sarah.blogspot.com/2012/02/9-classics-to-read.html">list.</a> At one book a year, I will be finished <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7khLUpee3f_jXOLcYSR1GsFOyfA1ffj99jlSx_FU9SxhxvvOmdFa0lmNSZ7-KkfFZj-6l5ompQsMJbBC4upWCjWK7gE_YqETYcINjoJRrJ42_CTPJwcBTUoPkGMSyPp3uf4Nybbu7w9dZ/s1600/piano.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 159px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7khLUpee3f_jXOLcYSR1GsFOyfA1ffj99jlSx_FU9SxhxvvOmdFa0lmNSZ7-KkfFZj-6l5ompQsMJbBC4upWCjWK7gE_YqETYcINjoJRrJ42_CTPJwcBTUoPkGMSyPp3uf4Nybbu7w9dZ/s320/piano.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722159776574932066" border="0" /></a><br />with a year to spare.<br /><br />6.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Piano lessons</span>. For years I have played around on the piano, refining the few songs I know and for years I have wished I was better.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">U.S. road trip</span>. I dream that someday Jason and I will take Swede and Eden across the country, visiting our friends along the way as we explore this expansive and eclectic country.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">P</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">lay poker in Ve</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJupX0WUR7dVkESrY4UF9D9s_7ffGSXXHLJDU9daLZO5Eme0rH3XzmsvB4-iGB3Dzehvxv9Mn-sGcAIPF9xlfARseRsMArcL6ad6UIyREG_-YiVBSqZ0CggLy5dmIiR6pDG2Qhu-zJ66V/s1600/ace.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZJupX0WUR7dVkESrY4UF9D9s_7ffGSXXHLJDU9daLZO5Eme0rH3XzmsvB4-iGB3Dzehvxv9Mn-sGcAIPF9xlfARseRsMArcL6ad6UIyREG_-YiVBSqZ0CggLy5dmIiR6pDG2Qhu-zJ66V/s320/ace.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722164087620105666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">gas. </span>I have never been to Vegas and although I would be horrified in many different ways, there would be a part of me that just might love it.<br /><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn the art of gardening.</span> After two unsuccessful years, I think the time has come to read some books and change my technique.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-84439187358105086172012-03-12T11:54:00.030-07:002012-04-18T20:46:37.286-07:009 events of my twentiesThe decade of my twenties is almost over. The last ten years were full of pain and challenges but more importantly wisdom, joy, and faith, ultimately becoming a very remarkable decade.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdkEgC9mkwxrKYpoQA0vd7nd6eqzxHCBaPnmGscHxiLox9pb7VR0TYYsQ_E_illil8cC7_eE4unVFwdLWMGqCMM2y1q0jLb7U3xp5833KgfQeiGRWPsStVjsAH75q69g1vCL1uzcMtXNa/s1600/hon.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 293px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdkEgC9mkwxrKYpoQA0vd7nd6eqzxHCBaPnmGscHxiLox9pb7VR0TYYsQ_E_illil8cC7_eE4unVFwdLWMGqCMM2y1q0jLb7U3xp5833KgfQeiGRWPsStVjsAH75q69g1vCL1uzcMtXNa/s320/hon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719133008572951346" border="0" /></a><br />1.<span style="font-weight: bold;">C</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">entral America.</span> In college I spent four months living and traveling around Honduras. The time spent studying the culture, politics, and history of Central America became pivotal in shaping who I am as a global citizen of this world.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Marriage. </span>Almost six years ago I entered into a marriage partnership with Jason. Marriage, more than anything else, has grown and shaped me into the person I want to be.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">K</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">i</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">zz</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">y and Oscar.</span> As our first two members of the Fileta/McMinn clan, our cats have taught me how extremely rewarding sharing life with animals can be. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsIw1S6de00">here</a> if you need proof.<br /><br />4.<a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYJ6d8kXtPJe2BIpOqmJS73M6vNrVZSYd6mIzP5kUKDcbSjHz8b1hOcNuQgfbEptRuKwR_XFzjDQ_9QTIUQRX6a8DvoofUjxGpVtr2bFURDyiO7FCiim8GvAmMORPM_o0xSI7kg24rgvm/s1600/egypt.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 292px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBYJ6d8kXtPJe2BIpOqmJS73M6vNrVZSYd6mIzP5kUKDcbSjHz8b1hOcNuQgfbEptRuKwR_XFzjDQ_9QTIUQRX6a8DvoofUjxGpVtr2bFURDyiO7FCiim8GvAmMORPM_o0xSI7kg24rgvm/s320/egypt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719102170225662114" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Veg</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">anism.</span> Among the best decisions I have made in my twenties, veganism allows me to live a life full of compassion, health, and tofu.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">E</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">gypt</span>. Jason and I spent almost a month exploring his roots while walking the streets of Cairo, visiting wonders of the world, and climbing Mount Sinai in the middle of the night.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tattoos</span>. Not necessarily life changing,<br />but three permanent reminders of my twenties.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8haEQJCFQoolkyRZVIgMdxA2fB_7EKWuFvKlrjLJGf2LXFKXWl_Zjfik1m-rftHc2P8p3-scPq729VrFXuieob2WRIZ20qX57XXH7c_KoDNIphjB8CqY58sURg5YNgzLEWZ5wg6t-HdF/s1600/tat.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8haEQJCFQoolkyRZVIgMdxA2fB_7EKWuFvKlrjLJGf2LXFKXWl_Zjfik1m-rftHc2P8p3-scPq729VrFXuieob2WRIZ20qX57XXH7c_KoDNIphjB8CqY58sURg5YNgzLEWZ5wg6t-HdF/s320/tat.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719114936385335666" border="0" /></a>7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Culinary School.</span> Perhaps not the right choice, but I did it nonetheless and as I grow into my thirties I am interested to see if and how this decision shapes my career.<br /><br />8. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Swede</span>. As the fifth member to the Fileta/McMinn family, Swede has added joy, companionship,and love while fulfilling my life long dream of living with and caring for a dog.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0icKeZlAQr10u129HtkzrlXbl2VM35ai4-tye8YvogHD18cOYLF6VmY8tfqdfIywBLLntb-md2Y61VvcUqCad-LVOkloi_sZsW3X7uZNZ3ffrQ_o2MfO7ZhO_lrlt7b1zwfGjpI-CWoRW/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0icKeZlAQr10u129HtkzrlXbl2VM35ai4-tye8YvogHD18cOYLF6VmY8tfqdfIywBLLntb-md2Y61VvcUqCad-LVOkloi_sZsW3X7uZNZ3ffrQ_o2MfO7ZhO_lrlt7b1zwfGjpI-CWoRW/s320/IMG_4146.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719117394190791106" border="0" /></a>9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Eden</span>. The 6th member of our family and showing up just two months before this decade came to an end, Eden has been the greatest accomplishment of my young life.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8250907754807910628.post-31855246616675791112012-03-04T04:53:00.011-08:002012-04-18T20:45:36.005-07:009 entrepreneurial venturesWhile raising Eden has so far been very fulfilling, I have found my mind actively awakened to developing dreams and goals for future work. In any future endeavor I aim for creativity, ownership, and flexibility. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span>1<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3oahBinAcx1HPYGn8ggRbC9BK1sU8b1fu-5QsCkD-nHg08B7tFpfyt8c7XY5B_aP9_3smv9gjQi-GPltUZ-1E7pfSCaN9JnscGtXs0_MR7usA8zR7V_oz-Xa6Bf-8668AfCbK7jX83TA/s1600/cake.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3oahBinAcx1HPYGn8ggRbC9BK1sU8b1fu-5QsCkD-nHg08B7tFpfyt8c7XY5B_aP9_3smv9gjQi-GPltUZ-1E7pfSCaN9JnscGtXs0_MR7usA8zR7V_oz-Xa6Bf-8668AfCbK7jX83TA/s320/cake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716090053730819858" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">. Bed and Breakfast. </span>The day I can buy some property in the Columbia River Gorge or Willamette Valley will begin my bed and breakfast business. Book a stay...I'm thinking around 203o.<br /><br />2.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Cake Decorator.</span> After many years of decorating cakes for other people's businesses, I think I would enjoy venturing out on my own.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Candy Maker.</span> Every year around the holidays I make an assortment of vegan truffles and every year I think I ought to try and market them.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB4gNIaURa1ZDBvIhycQjOGqOenw3l7Uc67GimEGEST-nO59BBS8ceudrWILJOZficrGd3WIp1fx7To-PJn0Sz0JAhZzE0n3USHEzyoJRNnUS37a8OAaeqLA2OslesHDg0YvzMvEVz98c/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB4gNIaURa1ZDBvIhycQjOGqOenw3l7Uc67GimEGEST-nO59BBS8ceudrWILJOZficrGd3WIp1fx7To-PJn0Sz0JAhZzE0n3USHEzyoJRNnUS37a8OAaeqLA2OslesHDg0YvzMvEVz98c/s320/IMG_3330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716621167158122962" border="0" /></a><br />4<span style="font-weight: bold;">. Cookbook Writer</span>. There is a half written cookbook on my computer I have been talking about for years. Time to make something happen.<br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Crafter. </span>I've thought about opening up an Etsy account or contacting local boutiques but really I think my crafting is primarily for gift-giving.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Do</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP5EQZ8bddG1hdO77nh6AAc3sFNysQPGkqHgWffpuB5Yl9R4Q5pfEYWJzxV6l_Qr6KTiOpwHVfeDveoGLZuDxSkoIzaeOcFuvTJU2zF5nacl6XH04Xp9e5qQV0aPjnzwgzsVHhJfZCfCC/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 233px; height: 155px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPP5EQZ8bddG1hdO77nh6AAc3sFNysQPGkqHgWffpuB5Yl9R4Q5pfEYWJzxV6l_Qr6KTiOpwHVfeDveoGLZuDxSkoIzaeOcFuvTJU2zF5nacl6XH04Xp9e5qQV0aPjnzwgzsVHhJfZCfCC/s320/IMG_3193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716622354601316802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">ul</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">a. </span>Ever since my birth experience I've been very fascinated with finding work around childbirth. Doulas have many options from prenatal care and attending births to teaching classes to placenta encapsulation.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Writer. </span>I'm not sure if I have a story worth telling, but I will keep asking that question and hopefully one day I will discover the story and share it through writing.<br /><br />8.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> At-home day care.</span> I can't quite believe I would suggest this but this pursuit would allow me to stay with Eden while surrounding her with other children. Like two other children, at most.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GmyGkrI5CoNL1nITXPd47APPnEiojhvdeP4atTgbVV3lGNhJebJDMvLV2Nb6taGhAl2g9nBgEiJCQ7ZKqfgmwmZGZnMsUD_2tyO0iESQWlQXA83qrHx-5eRlj-aG8kMqFHCE4_cPgyf0/s1600/IMG_4147.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 339px; height: 227px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6GmyGkrI5CoNL1nITXPd47APPnEiojhvdeP4atTgbVV3lGNhJebJDMvLV2Nb6taGhAl2g9nBgEiJCQ7ZKqfgmwmZGZnMsUD_2tyO0iESQWlQXA83qrHx-5eRlj-aG8kMqFHCE4_cPgyf0/s320/IMG_4147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716090442754664210" border="0" /></a><br />9. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Newborn photographer</span>. Most people don't know that I have a photography degree because I usually think it's too worthless to mention. There is nothing like a new baby, however, to get me re-fired up about photography.sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03168285344058682369noreply@blogger.com2